Excerpts From Billboard - 1920-1922
Billboard, January 3, 1920, pp. 42, 62, 63, 64, 65. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Most of the circus news was unreadable. Only selected items were transcribed.
Jack Bennett, of Tonawanda, N. Y., and Irene Marshall were married December 20. The couple are making their home at 8 McCormick avenue, Tonawanda. Mrs. Bennett was a member of Emgard and Marshall, with the John Robinson Show for the past three seasons.
C. M. (Spooney) Brown and Sivannie McDaniel, member of the Cole Greater Shows, were married at the Little Churchs Around the Corner in Augusta, Ga., December 12.
Jesse R. Fiedler and Marguerite Davis, both members of the John Robinson Circus, were married in Pensacola, Fla., November 15. Mr. Fiedler has seen considerable service "Over There."
A slight change has been made in the title of the Gentry Bros. Show for next season, when it will be known as Gentry Bros. Famous Shows & Wild Animal Circus. The show will be larger than it has ever been under the guidance and management of J. D. Newman and Ben Austin, and will come in the two-ring class. Instead of one advertising car as heretofore there will be two in advance for the 1920 tour. The Gentry outfit is again wintering in Houston, using the same quarters as last year. The quarters are located but two blocks from the City Hall, right in the heart of town.
Frank B. Hubin, an oldtime circus man, is slated for the Mayor of Pleasantville, N. J.
James Patterson says the Patterson-Gollmar Show will not take the road next season.
The Silver Plate Show is no more a hay-burner, but an all-motorized show, and will be out all winter, carrying Sedan cars of the performers and musicians.
Jack Cavannagh, acrobatic cowboy, who was with the Al G. Barnes Show, is now in vaudeville, working in an acrobatic act under the name of Morales Bros.
As steward on an advertising car, George Singleton is A-1. At leas the men on the H. & W. advertising car No. 2 think so.
Ray Danielson, who was with the Robinson Show as special agent for P. W. Harrell, is now at home in Detroit, Mich.
Fred Coleman, in charge of the advertising banners on the Gentry Show this season, mentioned that he will be back with this show next season.
Della Noon, of the Amazon Bros. Show, has been ill and confined to her home at East Leroy, Mich., due to accidental poisoning. She will again be able to work in a short time.
Roy Ludington, auditor of the Backman-Tinsch Wild Animal Circus, will return to the winter quarters of the show at San Antonio, Tex., the early part of January.
Fred and Doodles MeMarrs closed with the John Robinson Circus at Holly Springs, Miss. Mr. DeMarrs is now traveling salesman for a biscuit company out of Memphis, Tenn.
Jennier Brothers have been working steady since they closed with the John Robinson Show.
Everette and Mabelle James are closing a successful season with the Christy R. R. Shows, and have signed for next season. They will spend the winter in Galveston, Tex.
The Hill Bros. Show is located in quarters at Middletown, O., where the outfit is undergoing overhauling for the season 1920. The show will carry eighteen people and a ten piece band, and will open May 8. The staff will comprise Al W. Hill, manager; J. C. Degenhart, superintendent front door; O. Woods, superintendent lot; H. S. Watkins, secretary and treasurer.
Austin King, clown, late of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, is working in pictures in Los Angeles. King states that there a number of kinkers in L. A., working in the movies, including Jimmie DeComa and Jack English. Bones Hartzel, of the Sells-Floto Show, is also in Los Angeles. He worked with Singer's Midgets last week a the William Fox studios.
Sascha, known throughout the circus world as the Wire-Haired Wonder, has temporarily retired from the show business and is connected with a pure food concern, which has taken up his famous shampoo. Pure Food Co., New York City.
Spank, the musical clown (Wallace Mackay), is in Toronto, Canada, playing the clown, especially engaged by Sir John Eaton at his large store in Toronto as a special attraction.
Arthur Borella and Dan McAvoy played the Opera House in Brazil, Ind., last week, and had a pleasant visit with Mrs. Egener, widow of Fred Egener, the clown. They visited the grave of Egener in Cottage Hill Cemetery.
Roster of James' Band on the Christy R. R. Shows: Everette James, B. E. Kristy, Walter Hodson, G. Smock, E. W. Lake, Joe Doebeck, Arthur Dumont, L. Mittendorf, J. Burnhart, Charles Nelson, Marcus Brooks. Harry H. James, the mascot, is always on hand with his drim. The band plays a thirty-minute concert at noon. James will have one of the best fifteen piece bands on the road next season, for which O. A. Gilson, Shorty Longnecker, Bundy and Noreis have already signed up.
Chicago, Dec. 27. Al G. Barnes, owner of the Al G. Barnes Circus, and W. K. Peck, traffic manager of that organization, were Chicago visitors Wednesday. The two men had been to Racine, Wis., to attend the funeral of Mr. Barnes' brother, Andrew Barnes. Mr. Barnes stated that a decree had been entered in the court of Judge Taft, in Los Angeles, in which he had been granted an absolute divorce from Mrs. Barnes, and that Judge Taft had denied Mrs. Barnes' cross-bill, claiming separate maintenance. The gist of the decision, Mr. Barnes said, was that his former wife had no claim whatever of any kind on his interests. Mr. Barnes said that he had purchased property near Los Angeles and will erect new and permanent winter quarters, which will be finished in time for use next winter. The Barnes Show is now wintering in the State fair grounds at Phoenix, Ariz. The show will open February 28 in Phoenix.
J. Lamont, of Lamont's Birds, write from Mendoza, Argentine, South America, November 10: "The Santos & Artigas Circus will be in Buenos Aires, at the Coliseum. The Loretta Twins, who do a trampoline bar act, are with the show. Tom Wilmoth, lion trainer, is returning to the States after the Buenos Aires engagement. From the States he will go to Cuba, to join the No. 2 show of Santos & Artigas. Prof. Herman Weedon is with the show. He works the big mixed group of wild animals, seven tigers, two lions and one panther. He will remain the entire season in South America with the show. The lamont cockatoo act has proved a success on the tour. . . ."
James W. Bostock, showman, died in London, England, December 19, at the age of 56 years. The deceased was the brother of E. H. Bostock, of the Bostock Tour in Great Britain, and also of the late Frank C. Bostock, "The Animal King." The three brothers were grandsons of George Wombwell, who invented the traveling menagerie in 1805. They started in show business with Bostock & Wombwell's Menagerie. James W. Bostock was the founder and first president of the Showman's Guild of Great Britain, the first to introduce steam-powered merry-go-rounds to the continent of Europe and also first introduced carnivals to America. His sons, Claude W. Bostock and J. gordon Bostock, are agents in the Keith office. Besides his sons he is survived by his wife, Julia, and daughter, Gertrude (Mrs. J. Woodruff).
Canton, O., Dec. 27. T. C. McQuade, veteran showman, several years ago announcer in the Ringling Brothers Circus, is now Coroner of Stark County. For many years he trouped with the Ringling and other big shows. At one time he was part owner of the New England Shows, a carnival company organized here. It is rumored that Mr. McQuade next year will enter the race for Sheriff of Stark County.
Billboard, January 10, 1920, pp. 60, 61, 62, 63. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Fred B. Hutchinson has just completed arrangements with W. P. Campbell, whereby a new circus will enter the field next season. It will be a one-train outfit, and will bear the title of Campbell-Bailey-Hutchinson Combined Circus and Wild West. It will be organized and assembled at Okeene, Ok., and will take the road in the spring. Both Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Campbell are experienced showmen, the former as a circus manager and the latter as an owner and manager. For a number of years Mr. Hutchinson handled the managerial duties of the Sells-Floto Circus, leaving the Denver aggregation a few years ago. He is at present in Parkersburg, W. Va., but will probably go to Okeene within the next week or two.
New York, Jan. 3. It was officially made known last week that W. H. Curtis, formerly connected with Ringling bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows, will take on the road the coming season a circus which will bear the title of Curtis Bros. Fashion Plate Shows. It is said the show will open early in May in Columbus, O. Several acts have already been engaged. The equipment is practically ready for the road.
Toronto, Jan. 3. The International Toyland Circus, the George Moyer Syndicate show, opened a two weeks' engagement at the Armories on Monday of this week, under the auspices of the Great War Veterans' Association, Toronto District Command. The feature of the circus is the ring built up well above the floor, and in which are seen the usual circus performers. The program includes Madame Bedini, trained horses, ponies and dogs; Cecil Lowande, bareback somersault rider; Aerial Youngs, trapeze; Nelson Sisters, tight wire; Snyder's goats, and others. Clowns are present in large numbers.
Ed C. Wiley, who finished last season as contracting agent on the Yankee Robinson Circus, has been engaged to replace Frank A. Cassidy as local contractor on the Al G. Barnes Circus. Mr. Cassidy has deserted the white tops to return to the theatrical game.
Chicago, Jan. 3. Charles Stebbins, of Miwaukee, was appointed receiver of the Convey & Smith Indoor Circus and Hippodrome, which played in the Wisconsin metropolis last week, the appointment being made by the Federal Court. Bloodgood, Kemper & Bloodgood were attorneys for the petitioning creditors.
Scottie Weber is spending the winter at his home in Drexel, N. C.
Alf. Minting writes that the Rhoda Royal Show played two days in Palm Beach, Fla., and did good business.
Tom Heney, press agent four days ahead of the Al G. Barnes Circus, is spending the winter at Fresno, Cal.
Buck Massie, former circus agent, is now personal representative for Mary Miles Minter.
H. W. Wingert and wife are located in their new apartment at 945 W. Delaware street, Toledo, O. They will both return to the Yankee Robinson Circus, their fourth season.
Lindeman Bros. will put out a one-ring circus the coming season, opening at Sheboygan, Wis., about May 10, and traveling overland by motor trucks. They are buying up show property now.
J. D. Miller, steward of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Shows, built a royal bill of fare for the Christmas dinner at winter quarters December 25.
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Hall, of the Cole Bros. Show, proceeded to Omaha, Neb., spending the Yuletide with Lee's mother. The Halls will sail for Havana January 15.
Chick Dailey, candy butcher, formerly with the Ringling and Buffalo Bill shows, and one of the injured in the Hagenbeck-Wallace wreck in Indiana, is now advertising agent for the Empire Theater and Majestic Opera House in Providence, R. I.
H. R. J. Miller's ___ Circus is in quarters at Wilton, Wis. Mr. Miller writes that he will have sixteen head of draft stock for the coming season, and has bargained for eight more head of spotted Welsh ponies. He will build a 30x30 ring barn in February. He expects to take the road about May 10.
Claire Illington, female impersonator and oriental dancer, who was engaged the latter part of the season as dancer with Hugo Bros. Circus, touring Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas, closed the season in Bridgeport, Tex., and returned to Divernon, Ill., to spend the holidays with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Monroe.
S. B. Anderson's Ripley Ranch No. 1, Dog, Pony and Wild West, is in winter quarters near Madison, Ind., busy building and painting wagons and training new horses and dogs. Anderson recently purchased two snow-white horses, which will appear together in the ring next season. He will also have several cages of animals.
B. L. (Tom) Tucker, last season billposter on car No. 1 of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows, is at his home in Elgin, Ill., a billposter with the F. W. Jencks Billposting Co. "Tuck" was formerly stage manager of the Grand at Elgin. Says he expects to be back in the game next season.
Jake Friedman's Pit and Oriental Show closed a successful season with the Christy Railroad Shows December 29 at Freeport, Tex. Friedman will go back to Galveston to prepare for next season. An entirely new outfit will be made, tent and banners now being ready for delivery. Princes Letoka and wife, midgets, will be the feature attraction of the pit show.
Rue and Laura Enos write that they will not be with any circus the coming season, as their present route runs into June, when they will play fairs.
Since the closing of Cook Bros. Shows last October, A. S. Conlin, side show manager, has been remodeling his eight-room house at Louisville, Ky., into a couple of apartments, and when completed will give "Lillian," well-known palmist in the circus and carnival field, and opportunity to rejoin the show, as she has been keeping the big house ever since Al's mother died. R. M. (Whitey) Jones, who also was with the Cook Show last seaon, and who spent a short visit at his Indiana home, and then joined the Rhoda Royal Show November 10, staying with it until the coal ban forced it to close, will again be with the Cook Show next season.
Bobby Fountain has been engaged by Harry Tammen to take the side show in the Sells-Floto Circus this year.
Emil A. Arp's Great American Circus will open the 1920 season June 5, one month later than last spring. No doubt it will be the smallest of the small shows in the circus class. The performance will take place under a 50 foot round top or in a Wild West arena. The show will make two-day stands, with a complete change of program each night. Motion pictures will be added and an illustrated lecture on the world war will be a feature. Several good groung circus acts will be featured. For the side show a 5-in-1 pit attraction will be used. Members of the show will eat and sleep on the lot. The show will wind its way north and into Wisconsin. All animal acts will be eliminated. Before the opening of the tented seaon the show will be whippped into shape by playing a few indoor dates.
Lancaster, Mo., Jan. 2. Atterbury Bros. Circus will be somewhat larger for the coming season. Mr. Atterbury was in Kansas City last week ordering new canvas for all departments. The stock has been placed in comfortable barns. The show will open in April. Lucky Bill, of Quenemo, Kan., was a visitor the past week. He purchased an elephant, a bear, ticket wagon and twelve head of draft horses from Col. W. P. Hall, and said that he is framing a brand new show to take on the road in April.
Notes from Reading, Pa. Sam Dock, owner of the Great Keyston Wagon Show, visited for the first time in twelve years. Reading was Mr. Dock's home when he was a boy, and while here he paid a visit to his old friend, Charles Lorenzo, whom he had not seen since they trouped on the Welsh Bros. Show 27 years ago. Mr. Dock combined business with pleasure, buying show property and sending it to his winter quarters at Handsom, Va., where the show will open early in April. Bright Jones has been re-engaged with the Keystone Show where he has the privileges.
Harry (Pete) Hellman, last season band leader with the Lee Bros. Carnival, will have his band with Cook Bros. Motorized Shows season 1920. George W. Flatt, cornet player with the Ringling-Barnum Show band, states that he has contracts for next season with the same show. Frity Hofferner, property man with the Ringling-Barnum Show last season, has secured a job in a lunch wagon here. Frity is going back on the big show next season. - H. R. Brison.
Billboard, January 17, 1920, pp. 40, 58, 59, 60, 61. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Jack Aronson, mail agent with the Russell Bros. Show, and Florence Brown, concessioner with the same organization, were married at LaFayette, La., the week before Christmas.
Ernest E. Haag, veteran circus man and owner-manager of the Mighty Haag Shows, was a Billboard caller last week in Cincinnati on business. The Haag Shows closed the season December 31, at Marianna, Fla., where the paraphernalia is in winter quarters. It is the intention of Mr. Haag to open the 1920 tour during the first week in February, probably at Marianna. On his way North, Mr. Haag stopped off in Knoxville, Tenn., where he left his order with Witt Bros., for the building of six animal cages to be added to his menagerie. He also on this trip purchased a number of sets of new harness, in addition to trappings and other regalia for both the performance and parade.
Davenport, Ia., Jan. 10. Emil A. Arp will not take out his Great American Circus this spring as reported, but will open it in November for a southern tour. The show will be operated on the same plan as Mr. Arp had intended to to this winter. The reason for not taking out his show this winter or the coming spring is that Mr. Arp has cast his lot with the Lucky Bill Circus for the 1920 season. He will leave the latter part of February for Quenemo, Kan., where he will take charge of the painting department at the Lucky Bill winter quarters. The Lucky Bill Circus will carry a big menagerie, including elephants, camels, zebras, bears, monkeys, etc. Mr. Arp will open his show for a winter tour about two weeks after the Lucky Bill pulls into winter quarters next fall.
Charleston, W. Va., Jan. 10. The Secretary of State has issued a charter to Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Combined Circus and Wild West. The capital stock is $50,000, and the incorporators are William P. Campbell and Anna N. Campbell, of Drummond, Ok.; Fred Bailey Hutchinons, Julia W. Hutchinson and Alberta L. Hutchinson, all of Parkersburg, W. Ba.
George Conners will be equestrian director of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show this coming season.
The Rose Kilian Show is touring Southern Georgia, doing good business. The show has been enlarged for the winter tour. Wiley Ferris, Bob Molliston and Will Witlark being added to the big show program, making seventeen numbers. Roy Chambers, Frank P. Meister, John Walker and Fred Daller, all late of the J. F. Murphy Shows, joined the band, bringing it up to ten pieces. Ed Moore has been engaged as superintendent of stock. At Harlem, Ga., the show played day and date with the Coley Carnival Company. The Kilian Show missed very few performances during December. Mrs. Rose Kilian is manager; Otto Kilian, assistant; A. F. Wheeler, orator; Frank P. Meister, band leader; A. H. Knight, equestrian director; Red Wood, canvas; "Lightning" Sanders, props; Mrs. Mabel Smiley, superintendent of cookhouse; Ed Moore, boss hostler.
Earl Johnson, who retired from the show business in 1915, will take out a wagon show in the spring. The show will be known as Earl's Greater European Shows and will open either in Virginia or North Carolina. It is the intention of Mr. Johnson to have one of the best equipped wagon shows on the road. The big top will be a 70, with two 30 foot middles; the side show a 40, with two 20 foot middles. Nine wagons are to be used, with two in advance.
Miller Bros. Show closed January 3 at Barwick, Ga., and went into quarters at Merrillville, Ga. The show had been on the road for three years without a layoff, except for five weeks during the flu epidemic. The Miller Show will be enlarged to the extent of a larger spread of canvas, now being made by the Fulton Company, and another truck, making the show one of the best equipped motor truck shows in the South. It will open the middle of February in Southern Georgia. W. T. Miller and wife have gone to Key West, Fla., for a few weeks.
W. H. (Billy) Selvage, for many seasons with Downie & Wheeler, LaTena, and last season with the Walter L. Main Circus, also assistant to general agent F. J. Frink for nine seasons, has signed contracts with Sparks Shows for the coming season as general contracting agent.
Billie McCauley, who recently returned from overseas, has joined the Kenneth R. Waite Trio, doing second comedy. Chester Sherman rejoined the Kenneth R. Waite Trio at Kansas City week of January 4.
Ray Burbank, formerly of the white tops, is now out of the service of Uncle Sam, and living at Dixon, Ill.
Butch Fredericks and Mrs. Fredericks are guests at the Hotel Macon, Macon, Ga. Butch is in charge of Sparks Show winter quarters.
Jack Wilson, who was with the Walter L. Main Circus as bannerman and twenty-four hour man, is now clerking at the Hotel Sterling, Washington, D. C.
Raymond Glourn has returned to his home in Louisville, Ky., following a vaudeville tour. He has signed contracts with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus for next season.
Lewis Reed, after a brief vacation at his home in Ashtabula, O., will soon be heading South to break in new acts with his herd of elephants at Macon, Ga.
Sig. Sautelle, of Homer, N. Y., gave two "Punch and Judy" entertainments for the children of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Syracuse, N. Y., December 26.
George L. Myers, the past two seasons ballet director and official announcer with the Sells-Floto Circus, has been one of the features of the Brinkley Girls Company since the close of the circus season.
Ed White, manager of the Dorian Drum, Fife and Bugle Corps, a well-known circus drum corps, has joined the advance of the "King of Tramps" Company touring West Virginia.
W. J. Wedge, formerly on the No. 2 advertising car of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, is now with F. Van Miller, business manager, in advance of "Business Before Pleasure" Company.
Kanerva and Leonhart, comedy acrobats, known as the Reckless Two, closed a season of 36 weeks with Hugo Bros. Shows, which are now wintering in Shreveport, La., on the State Fair grounds.
Part of the Ringling-Barnum Show herd of camels at Bridgeport, Conn., made an escape from winter quarters last week and had a fine time wandering about the west end section of Bridgeport until a squad of policemen and firemen rounded them up.
E. B. Walker, billposter, the past season with Polack Bros. Shows, is spending the winter in Alexandria, employed by the Southern R. R. as brakeman.
Tommy Haynes, ticket seller and announcer with the Barnum & Bailey Show before the last war, is now associated with a selling agency in New York handling trucks.
George Singleton and Charles O'Connor, of the Sparks Shows, are spending the winter on Mr. Singleton's parents' ranch in League City, Tex.
T. Peters, who was with the Walter L. Main Circus for seventeen weeks last season, presented his eccentric gymnastic act at the Grand Theater, Elgin, Ill., January 4. The act is booked solid until June 1. Peters says he has several circus acts booked with the United Fair Associatoin for the season of 1920. "Pitching them forward off the bar" is the feature of their vaudeville act.
Since the closing of Gentry Bros. Shows, December 22, T. F. Everett, manager of privileges, and H. Emgard, manager of side show, have been on business and pleasure at Kansas City, Mo., Shreveport, La., and Teague, Tex. It was at Teague that Tom Everett and Clara Williams were married. Mr. Everett will again be privilege manager and H. Emgard side show manager and principal orator.
Charles E. Brown, known to the profession at Maurettus, ventriloquist and Punch and Judy performer, kicks in the following: "I was with the old John Robinson Circus seasons of 1885, 1886 adn 1887. Was in the wreck at Fergus Falls, Minn., where eight people were killed and twenty injured. At the close of the season I quit the circus business and joined the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Co., remaining on and off with their medicince shows for nearly ten seasons. I then went into vaudeville. In recent years I have become a one-man show."
John Van Arnam, after the close of the show and until December 1, had been assistant coach for the Syracuse University Football Eleven. When the eleven went to Bloomington, Ind., to play Indiana University, he purchased the balance of the Howard Bros. Wagon Show, which Nat Hill, president of the Bloomington Bank had for sale. From there the eleven went to Lincoln, Neb., to play Thanksgiving Day. Mr. Van Arnam left the eleven there and made a trip to Lancaster, Mo., to see Col. William Hall. From there he went to St. Louis, where he purchased a complete cookhouse outfit form the Talbot Mfg. Co. He then went over to Newport, Ky., and made arrangements with the Donaldson Litho. Co., for paper for next season. Since his return home he has been busy answering letters to his ad in the Christmas Billboard.
The show next season will be double in size. The new top, a 72 foot round top with two 30 foot middle pieces, has arrived at Northville, N. Y. This will give the show two rings and a large seating capacity. Northville will be the opening stand next spring. William Brown, who had charge of the trained stock the past season, has charge of the show at Northville, assisted by James Ryan, William Houseman and Wall Craig. Mr. Phillips has just shipped in four new spotted Shetlands, which will be broken for a four-pony act. A high school act will also be broken in, as well as several monkeys which just came from Bartels. Five cages of animals will be carried this year, also an elephant. This will make the Van Arnam Circus one of the best wagon shows in the East.
Harold and Edward Whitham are busy painting the wagons. Both will be with the show this season. John Myers is with a company in Syracuse. Uncle Jim Beattie has charge of the show department in a store in Syracuse. Arthur Crawford is with Voegel's Minstrels, playing the horn and doing an end. The Nazor Family is resting in Mansfield, O. M. C. Whitney and wife were with Clark's Uncle Tom's Cabin Company. Lee Smith is with the M. L. Clark Show. The Renzo Family is in Grand Rapids, Mich., with the exception of Bert, who is with Doctor Wise. Roy Williams has signed with Dr. Welch. Paul Brake, band leader, is at college at Cornell University. - Harold (Doc) Whitham
The Moore Bros. Wild West Circus closed at Anniston, Ala., December 3. The show is wintering on Ernie Moore's farm, a few miles south of Anniston, and some of the people are staying there. The coming season will open early in March. George M. Forpaugh will remain at his home in New York for a few weeks, where all business for the Moore Bros. will be transacted. The performance will be improved, but the size of the outfit will remain the same.
Chicago, Jan. 10. Dick Wayne, who last season was with the downtown wagon of the Yankee Robinson Show with his "Outlaw" attraction, will show his attraction in a store room in Chicago this winter, and return to the Yankee Robinson Show the coming season.
Floyd King, general agent, press agent, show owner, etc., is still devoting his efforts to Al W. Martin's "The Love Kiss," out ahead, but will soon dispense with these duties and blaze the train for the Great Sanger Cricus. He said that he and his brother, Howard, will have in the Sanger aggregation one of the best two-car shows on the road this season.
Harold W. Power and Alice Diaz, daughter of Enrique and Virginia Diaz, for seventeen years members of the Silbon Troupe with the Barnum & Bailey Show, were married at City Hall, New York, December 27. The couple are wire walkers and will remain with the Diaz family.
Billboard, January 24, 1920, pp. 40, 58, 59, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Mr. Carroll, member of the Ringling Bros. Circus for many seasons, and late of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and Amy Willard, member of the latter organization, were married at the Little Church around the Corner, New York, November 26.
C. P. Farrington, general agent, signed up to pilot the Martinho Lowande Circus and Wild Animal Shows Combined, through the various cities of South America. The name Lowande is well known in the tropical countries, the entire Lowande family originating in that country where their reputation as bareback riders is excelled by none. Oscar Lowande and his bareback riding act and Tally-ho Coach act will be one of the featurs. A small fortune will be required to transport the big show and the number of horses, lions, bears and other live stock. The company plans to be out about one year, the intention to give South America one of the best outdoor shows, opening February 18.
New York, Jan. 17. Edward Arlington, of the Sells-Floto Circus gave out information as to who will be with the show this season. His advance organization will include many of the old staff formerly associated with him at the head of the 101 Ranch Show. Paul W. Harrell will be in charge of advertising and operation of three advance cars and a flying squadron of five automobile trucks. Mr. Harrell will have as assistants, W. E. Backell and H. J. Farquhar, who has not yet designated his excursion car manager. C. W. Finney will be general contracting agent with one assistant. This will be the seventh season that Mr. Finney has been associated with Mr. Arlington. The press department will still be under the direction of Williard D. Coxey, business manager for Harry Lauder, and the "story man" will be Frank A. Braden, who has long been identified with the show. Ed Deck will again be contracting press agent. Mr. Arlington will continue to act as "agent" and route the show the same as in past seasons. The railroad arrangements for the initial run out of Denver to the opening stand cover a contract for not less than forty cars.
Chicago, Jan. 17. Harry Earl, well known to circus folk as press agent for the Barnum & Bailey, Sells-Floto and other circuses, has been appointed by Jones, Linick and Schaefer as local transportation and publicity agent for the Marcus Loew Booking Agency . . .
Jim Donaldson [or Donalson], press agent for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Circus, is back at his old desk on the Ledger Dispatch in Norfolk, Va. Jim is awaiting the signal to start in the spring, and while on the staff of the Norfolk paper, is handling the police department.
Carl Hathaway will put out a two-car show this season, having purchased the cars from the Ringling Brothers.
Lancaster, Mo., Jan. 17. The quarters of Atterbury Bros. Trained Animal Circus is a busy place. Joe Metcalf has charge of training the monkeys, bears and cat animals, while Al Langdon is looking after the elephants. Col. W. P. Halls is busy attending to the orders received from other shows. Col. Hall has just received an order from the Ringling Brothers for 70 head of horses. The Atterbury Show will open her April 10, its tenth annual tour to the Northwest. - W. A. Allen.
Chicago, Jan. 17. Sadie Litchell, late of the John Robinson Circus, died at the St. Joseph Hospital here January 14, after an operation. She is survived by her husband, Joe Litchell, better known as Joe Wallace; her sister, Mrs. Paul Goudron (Anna Connors), and her brother, George Connors, equestrian director of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. The funeral takes place today at Columubs, O.
Neil Patton will again be with the Sparks Show, as will also Dick Miller, Thomas Grady and several others of last year's band. J. Wilson Cliffe, laundry agent, will be back with the Sparks Show, his fourth season with Jack Phillips' band.
Sid Kridello, owner of "Prince," the dog with a human brain, is still with the Charles LaBird Show in Georgia. Sid is some swinging wire walker.
Mrs. Carl Lester is in the American Hospital, Chicago, doing nicely after an operation for removal of a tumor. She has signed with the Sells-Floto Circus for this season.
Jack Hart, billposter with the John Robinson Circus last season, is wintering at E. Liverpool, O. Jack will be on the advance with the Walter L. Main Shows the coming season.
Clark Bros. Circus and Wild West will be a 28 auto show and play Iowa, Minnesota and the Dakotas, with a fall and winter trip toward Texas. Expects to stay out until Christmas.
Elmer Coleman, on the privilege car of the John Robinson Circus last season, has enlisted in the U. S. Navy for four years. He will go to Mare Island Navy Yard, California.
Wm. (Bill) Hanselman, chef with Howe's Great London and the John Robinson Shows, has deserted the white tops, and is now employed at the shops of the Pennsylvania R. R. at Wellsville, O.
William Emery, elephant trainer, at present captain of a tug boat in the Philadelphia harbor, mourns the loss of his father, Capt. John F. Emery, who died recently and was buried at Uhlerstown, Pa.
Rodney Harris, who has been overseas for the past two years, has returned and signed with Jack Phillips of the Sparks Show as baritone for the coming season. Mrs. Harris has been engaged as performer with the show.
Robert Cimkelton, property man for Miss Leitzel, writes his mother at Elgin, Ill., that he does not expect to be home this spring, for they expect to reopen with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Shows at Madison Square Garden.
William Dawson, who has not trouped for several years, but who was at Coney Island last summer, will be with one of the big ones this season as assistant boss canvasman. Dawson gave The Billboard a call last week on his way home in Urbana, O.
Jung Brothers closed with the Ringling-Barnum Show November 21 and then played the Florida State Fair and a few weeks vaudeville. With Frank Decker and Harry Johnston, they are now doing principals with a comedy motion picture company in Tampa.
Frank A. Goldie will again have the management of the Cole Bros. side show. He will have six cages of wild animals. The outfit will be new, a 40 foot top with three 20 foot middles, and a banner front of ten paintings. This season will make his eleventh under the Cole management.
The Jenaro Brothers, Walter and Roy, who have been presenting their aerial and acrobatic acts playing vaudeville, will return to the white tops in the spring.
Val Vino, lecturer for Lew Graham in the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey side show, writing from Shreveport, La., says: "I met O. A. Gilson, formerly with Ringling Bros. Circus band, and he is selling oil leases. Also saw Philip Wolf, of the John Robinson Circus, who is also selling oil leases."
The winter quarters of Carl H. Clark's Circus are locatd at Wolf Park, Chambersburg, Pa. Carpenters are busy making new wagons, and painters are using plenty of bright red and gold with the assistance of an artist. The trainers are making the dog and pony acts stronger. Mr. Clark will take his best trained dogs, ponies, mules and horses to Syracuse, N. Y., to play a return engagemet at the arena for the Shriner's Circus.
Dick Masters has been engaged as bandmaster with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show, his sixth consecutive season with Messrs. Mugivan and Bowers.
Fred J. Bates, 48, for many years advance agent with the John Robinson and Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, died in Paris, Ill., January 14, from a complication of ailments. A widow and two brothers survive him.
Mrs. Paul L. (Lottie) Clark, wife of Paul L. Clark, general agent of the Russell Bros. Shows, died in Chicago Saturday, January 17, of influenza. Burial took place at the Clark home, Kewanee, Ill.
Billboard, January 31, 1920, pp. 64, 65, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Andrew Downie, owner and manager of the Walter L. Main Circus, last week purchased from the Ringling Bros., at Bridgeport, Conn., six flat cars, two stock cars and two sleepers. The cars are practically new, used only part of one season. On his way back from Bridgeport, Mr. Downie purchased several large baggage wagons, formerly used with the Cook & Wilson Circus. These wagons have been stored at Trenton, N. J., and are said to be in first-class shape. In addition Mr. Downie bought four cross cages, also stored at Trenton. A large corps of workingmen are at work at the winter quarters of the Walter L. Main Circus at Havre de Grace, Md., building and painting under the direction of Herman Griggs and master mechanic Doc Williams.
F. J. Frink will again be general agent, and will have James M. Beach as manager of the advance car, who was the car manager last season. James Heron will be back again as treasurer and big show ticket seller, his third season. Mr. Heron will also have the pit show, featuring "Snakene," the modern marvel, and the hoopla concession. Sam Fink will once more have his shooting gallery on the midway. Mrs. Downie and Florene Drake, will be back in Havre de Grace this week, and with the assistance of Sally Hughes, will have all parade wardrobe ready for the opening of the show. Andrew Downie's elephants will be a feature at Madison Square Garden, New York, the week of February 2. They will be in charge of Jack Davis and Roy Lewellin. Mr. Downie is now on his way to Baraboo, Wis., to purchase more equipment from the Ringling Bros. Ray Morrison, formerly maanger of the Illusion Show, will be in charge of the pit show this coming season. The Walter L. Main Circus opens at Havre de Grace April 17. Rehearsals start April 11.
San Diego, Jan. 22. Frank (Babe) Boyakin, well-known circus and carnival man on the coast, who was bitten by a rattlesnake, and who was reputed to be immune from snake bites, died at the County Hospital last week from effects of the reptile's poison. Boyakin was struck by the ratler when he was playing with it, following his purchase of the snake. Boyakin came up the coast from Venice to Seattle the first of the seaon with Al G. Barnes Circus as a candy butcher. He then left it and went with Charles Paulo, and later had the Miami Show. He was with the Coast United Shows and left them and went South, playing theaters with a hypnotic act in which he gave a snake lecture. He is survived by a wife, a sister and three brothers.
The Richard Bros. Shows closed the season at Barney, Ga., after a tour of Georgia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, and are now wintering at the fair grounds in Valdosta, Ga. F. Richards left the show after closing and is at the Richards' Ranch at Pipe Creek, Tex. The show will open early in March. Several cages of animals will be added, also several new wagons and sixteen head of new draft stock.
Tex Watts, elephant man of the Rhoda Royal Circus, is putting in the winter at Mobile, Ala, accompanied by his wife.
H. R. J. Miller, of Miller's Circus, writes that he is motorizing his circus. He has put on one big truck motor and may put on more.
Frank Oppie, drummer, who was with Howe's London Shows and Downie & Wheeler prior to 1918, is with Gus Hill's Minstrels this season.
Dan France, general agent for Rhoda Royal Show, is at his home at Curtis, N. Y.
Savoi LaStarr, acrobat and aerialist will again be with the Richard Bros. Overland Circus this year, his sixth season with that show.
S. Charles Kominicki (stage name Schreiber) has given up the show business and is head waiter in the Miami Beach Casino, Miami Beach, Fla.
Imogene Birney, lady lecturer in side shows with big circuses, is living at Steubenville, O., and expects to be with the white tops again this season.
Doc Grant was seen at his bungalow in Panama City, Fla. He has been with the Mighty Haag Show for the past three seasons, and is going back for another one.
F. M. Farrell, magician and vertriloquist, closed the season with the Christy Railroad Shows, is spending the winter at the Panama Hotel, Galveston, Tex. Since the Christy R. R. Shows closing the following showfolks can be seen at the Panama Hotel: Jake Friedman, Joe Quinlan, W. McCorkhill, Frank Swan, Joe Doebeck, Jack Palmer.
Now that the Howe Great London Circus is going out with twenty cars next season, wonder what Jerry Mugivan and Bert Bowers will do with the John Robinson Show?
Wink W. Weaver has been engaged for the season of 1920 by Messrs. Newman and Austin as equestrian director of the Gentry Bros. Shows. Wink has served 24 years with the Gentry and Ringling Shows.
Joe Rhoades, general agent of the Christy Shows last season, is now on his ranch at San Jacinto, Cal. Rhoades reports that the Christy tour was notable of a midnight performance at Hudson Bay Junction, Can., and a large day's gross business at Morden, Manitoba, Can.
Ralph Summerville writes from the winter quarters of the Walter L. Main Shows at Havre de Grace, Md., that Mike Carey, boss painter, has arrived, and is doing some good work. Doc Williams has the new calliope finished. Pop Coy is busy in the blacksmith shop fixing up the wagons. Herman Griggs had having good luck with his new high school horses and his bunch of ponies, and Summerville is making a good showing with his triple trap act.
William Emerson, calliope player and ticket seller, who has been with Andrew Downie since 1916, was on his way to winter quarters of the Walter L. Main Shows. He will again be with the Main Show.
Frank Pepping, trombone player, writes that he started his trouping thirteen years ago, joining the Great Van Amberg Shows, May 17, 1907, at Jeffersonville, Ind., and has not missed a season. A. R. Wheeler was director of the band at that time. He is now president of the bank at Pleasant City, O. Pepping will be with the Barnes Circus.
John Nadeau, whirlwind drummer from Auburn, Me., who has been with Cook & Wilson, Al G. Barnes, Sells-Floto and Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows in seasons past, writes that he is not certain whether he will troupe this season, as he has a position as special agent for the Union News Co., at Atlanta, Ga.
The Rhoda Royal Circus is still moving around in Florida, and although with the recent transportation difficulties, the show has been compelled to move by water, it has kept going, and with the exception of a few lost stands, it has showed regularly. Rhoda Royal is in Jacksonville these days engaging people for the new season.
Jerome T. Harriman, last season with the Walter L. Main Show, is spending the winter in the employ of the Union News Company. Harriman claims that the Union has a real force of butchers, including Harry Clayton and Charley Katz, of the Sparks Show, Joe Kennedy of the John Robinson Show, Joe Kirwan and Bill Horton of the LaTena Show.
Phil Castang, known as boss animal man of the Carl Hagenbeck Circus, and late of the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, is now keeper of the Rockford (Ill.) Zoo.
Lancaster, Mo., Jan. 24. Show people from all parts of the country have been buying show property and horses. W. P. Hall has sold to the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Show four car loads of circus wagons, two elephants an d a car load of horses. Mr. Hill is also shipping a car load of dapple grays to Charles Sparks at Macon, Ga. Mr. Hall receives orders for horses every day from show people in this as well as foreign countries. A cablegram was received last week from Hamburg, Germany, announcing the safe arrival of a large shipment of horses. The Government has purchased many good horses this winter for the express companies. J. D. Newman of the Gentry Bros. Shows was a recent visitor, also Mr. Harding of Clark Bros. Shows, and Mr. Hutton. Mr. Hall is also breaking some animal acts at the ring barn. Atterbury Bros. have contracted with the following performers for their show the coming season: the Parentos, in several acts; A. C. DeKromer, juggler and clown; Dracula, contortionist and trapeze performer. - W. A. Allen.
R. T. Richards' Indoor Circus played the Worcester Theater, Worcester, Mass., week of January 12, to excellent business. Fred Bradna, equestrian director, and William Conway, contracting agent of the Ringling-Barnum Show, are responsible for this one-ring winter circus. There are sixteen different act and many clowns with the show. Altogether there are forty people, eight horses, ten ponies, twelve dogs, sixteen pigeons and five bears. Messrs. Conway and Bradna are pleased with the outlok for this season, and it is their intention to enlarge their show for next witner and lay out a 16 week route, instead of ten, as they did this winter. They will add two elephants, a lion act and an air calliope.
Corry, Pa., Jan. 24. Elmer H. Jones, manager and owner of the Cole Bros. Circus since the death of his brother, J. Augustus Jones, made the announcement at his home in Warren this week that the had acquired the rights and title of the Rice Bros. Shows and will place that show on the road this seaon. This show will make the ninth one to be put out this summer under the mangement of the Jones Brothers.
J. J. Evans, of Massillon, O., announces that he will take out a fifteen-car circus this season.
Thomas W. Hindley, 67 years old, died January 21 at his home, 1,202 Clay avenue, the Bronx, of gastritis. For nearly half a century he had been a familiar figure in the theatrical and musical circles, and for eight years vice-president of the Musical Protective Union. He was bandmaster of Barnum's Circus in his youth. He was taken ill while conducting the orchestra at the Empire Theater, New York, and died soon after reaching his home. He had been musical conductor at the Knickerbocker Theater for seventeen years.
Otto Hornmann, magician and manufacturer of magical apparatus, died in New York January 24. He was born near Vienna, Austria, in 1865, and has been an American citizen for the past 19 years. He was with Barnum & Bailey, Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and Col. Francis Ferari Shows. He also played Keith's vaudeville. Death was due to heart failure.
Matt Keefe, 54 years old, for a number of years manager for Barnum & Bailey, died January 24 at Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Keefe was also a minstrel man of note, playing principal parts with Al G. Field, Lew Dockstader, Primrose and West and Neil O'Brien. He began his show career with 13 years old. He was making records for yodeling songs for Victor Phonograph at the time of his death.
Billboard, February 7, 1920, pp. 58, 59, 60. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Down in San Antonio, Tex., where the Backman-Tinsch Shows are wintering, preparations are being made for the season of 1920. The manger and equal owner, John T. Backman, is a showman of long and varied experience. A. L. Tinsch, his partner, a resident of San Antonio, before entering the profession was a large contractor. He hold down the position of secretary. The winter quarters is as fine as any show could wish for. The new animal house is 40x100 feet, with 16 inch brick walls, cement floors and plenty of side light and ventilated ceilings. The canvas loft, paint and woodworking departments are in different buildings that are most suitable for that kind of work. Joe Conley is general agent and railroad contractor, and George Donovan is assistant manger and legal adjuster. They are both back on the job again at San Antonio. Charlie Cook is building an electric light plant for the Backman Show for the road. The painting and decorating work is under the supervision of C. E. Black. A new 80 foot baggage car has arrived and is being put in shape by boss mechanic Wm. Stevens. Fat Wilson, lion trainer, is breaking a riding lion act. John McNamara and wife have signed up to "rube" the show an menagerie comein, the the Three Brownies have been re-engaged. Roy Ludington is treasurer. Ralph McComb is improving his dog and pony acts. Charles Dennison has his pig act in good form. Roy Houze has the big bear act down to perfection. Ludington's monkeys will present more comedy than ever before. Virginia Dare is working daily, breaking her menage horse and twenty snow white carrier pigeons. John Bunton has charge of the lights and will handle tickets. The writer has been engaged as equestrian director and announcer and side show manager. - "Jim" Morrow.
Col. Fred Buchanan, owner of the Yankee Robinson Show, is busy at Granger, Ia., getting his show ready for the road. George F. Meighan will be his righthand man, as usual. Mr. Meighan has been with the Colonel for several years. The show will come further East this season than it did last year.
Denver, Col, Jan. 30. Charles A. Pheeney, for the past twelve years connected with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows in various capacities, will be with the Sells-Floto Circus this coming season. Mr. Pheeney started his circus career under R. M. Harvey in 1908 as route rider, then became 24-hour agent, and last season was local contractor under Ed C. Knupp. Mr. Pheeney, whose home is in Denver, has just closed an engagement with the National Western Stock Show, having had charge of the floor space and concessions, his second year with the Stock Show association.
Walter William Brown, well known in the amusement business, died January 24 from bronchial pneumonia at his mother's home at St. Louis. He was the son of George and Ida Bell Brown. His father, George Brown, has been connected with both the Robinson and Wallace shows for a number of years. His mother, an oldtime performer, was also connected with the Wallace Show, and when a child with the old John Robinson Show. She is a sister to Mrs. Ida Guthrie of the Guthries, aerial artists. The deceased when young was a good comedian and traveled with his mother. He played in vaudeville over the different circuits for several years. A widow, mother, father, and a brother (John) survive him.
New York, Jan. 30. Charles Belling, son of Thomas Belling, who was once a well-known circus man here, has arrived in New York on the liner "Stockholm." Although he was born in this country, Belling was taken to Europe by his family when only a few days old. He followed his father's profession, traveling over Europe and the Far East, without a visit back to his native land. When he arrived at New York, Mr. Belling was accompanied by his wife and six children. He also brought two trained donkeys and four dogs. He expects to make connections with Barnum & Bailey's Circus.
Jake Friedman, manager of the oriental and pit shows with the Christy Circus, and H. Emgard, manager of the side show with Gentry Bros. Shows, are making preparations to open a museum in Galveston, Tex., having leased a store room, 25 by 150 feet. The Christy animals with the following attractions will consitute the show: F. M. Farrell, ventriloquist and magic; Joe Dobeck, tramp juggler; Lorenzo, tattoo artist; Prince Lotoko and wife, midgets, and oriental dancing girls. The show opens February 6 and will run until February 20.
F. B. Hutchinson and W. P. Campbell, of the Campbell-Bailey-Hutchinson Circus are making headway in assembling their show at Okeene, Ok. They just returned to Okeene from a trip East where they purchased two carloads of draft horses and five carloads of wagons.
J. H. Blair has signed as general agent of the Honest Bill Show.
Jim Kincade, now located in Columbus, O., was a bareback rider and double somesault leaper in his early days.
Doc Walker, who was with Sparks Circus last season, is now in Badin, N. C. He is at present handling a medicine proposition.
Teh Millard, iron jaw, trapeze and foot revolving artist, will be indentified with Lowery Bros. Circus this season.
Bob Woods, last season with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show, is now in Florida with the M. L. Clark Show.
Herbert (Whitey) Lehrter, accompanied by Mr. Lehrter, were Billboard callers and announced that they had been engaged for the coming season with the Gentry Bros. Shows.
Eddie Mack (J. E. Hill), who is selling building supplies for a Pittsburg concern, writes that he expects to be back with the white tops this season in his old capacity of book-keeper and treasurer.
Musical Simmons, one of the clowns on the Cole Bros. Circus last season, will be with the Ripley Ranch Shows the coming season.
Ed (Doc) Bacon and Mrs. Bacon are doing a blackface turn in vaudeville. Doc will be with the John Robinson Circus as usual.
Clyde Mallory, formerly with Barnum & Bailey and the 101 Ranch shows, will desert the circus game the coming season and enter vaudeville with Mrs. Clyde, who is doing a single on the U. B. O. Eastern Time.
Charles Hanzlik, who has worked for the Ringling and other large circuses, is with the Machine Gun Co., 8th Infantry, Coblenz, Germany. Pvt. Hanzlik has served twenty-one months "over there," and is in for two and a half years more. He is doing his reserve time.
Ira Haynes, cornetist, who returned to New York May 14, last year, from a three years' engagement in South America, Central America and the West Indies, with the Shipp & Feltus Circus, will sail February 10, with the same show, for a two years' engagement. Haynes was with the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus last season.
Victor Lee, for many years in the circus business, but who was with the Greater Sheesley Shows for the past two seasons, has signed with the Howe's Great London Shows to take charge of the side show and pit shows.
Seen at the humpyard of the Terminal Railroad, East St. Louis, Ill.: L. R. Choisser (Crazy Ray Himself), switching box cars, and Max Boyer, manager of J. H. Boyer's two-car Jesse James Show, yardmaster. Max will be with another Boyer show this season and Crazy Ray will be on the calliope with the S. W. Brundage Shows.
Following the closing of the Yankee Robinson Show last season, Toto Hammer, the frog man, went to Chicago, where he framed an act which opened on the W. V. M. A. Time. Hammer is routed until April 14, after which he will put the scenery in the trunck, and move over to the John Robinson Show for the season 1920.
Jolly Jenaro, clown juggler and wire artist, is at his home in Milwaukee, getting things in shape for the coming season. He has been playing some independent vaudeville dates also some clubs in Milwaukee. He is now busy with his dog and pony act, breaking in a few new tricks, and will have his miniature circus with the Great Wagner Shows.
The George Whittie Trio has returned to Memphis, Tenn., following a trip through Mississippi, making photos. Mr. Whittie is working for a Memphis photographer until the opening of the Cole Show, with which they will be connected, their eleventh season.
L. B. Sharpe, who was on the No. 3 car of the Ringling Bros. Circus in 1918, writes that he will be with the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Combined the coming season.
Ada, Ok., Jan. 31. The Honest Bill winter quarters are a busy place. The Chamber of Commerce here put on an indoor carnival in the City Hall. They asked Honest Bill for his assistance, which he gladly gave. His trained animals, ponies and dogs participated. Honest Bill recently purchased some animals from the oldtime showman, Joe C. Crider, who has retired from the show game and is situated on his farm at Mead, Ok. Honest Bill will soon leave for Kansas City and Chicago, and then to New York, where he will look after his properties and also purchase more animals to strengthen his show. Booger Red and family have been booked with the show for this season. Booger will bring all his bronchos, and one of the best Wild West shows will be seen with Honest Bill. The season will open here March 26. - M. S. Starbuck
The Boone Circus, Wild West and Vaudeville Combined Shows have been playing the sticks in Eastern Oklahoma and doing nicely. The show will start North in a few weeks, and play through the oil fields of Oklahoma and Kansas, and then go into Colorado. At this time the show is cut down to fourteen wagons, fifty-five head of stock, including twelve head of bucking horses. Red Ward and Tom (Powderface) Eckhart are visiting the show. Following is a list of the oldtimers who have remained with the show during the winter: Casey Smith and wife, Dee Boone and wife, Ed Glenn and wife, Jimmie Barry, Ed Barger, Blondy Ward, Oscar Boyles, Chick Noe, Bill Summers, cowboys; Clyde Boon, Blackie Foster, Miss Inde Cohn, secretary and treasurer. Pat Boone is owner and general manager. Tom Boone, after a three weeks' vacation on the show, is back in school at Decatur, Tex. Manager Boone is planning a 25-wagon show for the coming season.
Lowande's American Shows will open at Reading, Mass., May 1. The show is to be enlarged and the management plans to make it one of the finest equipped wagon shows in America. As Oscar Lowande has gone to South America with the Martinho Lowande Circus, Lowande Jr. is in charge of the work at winter quarters at Reading. John A. Swift has charge of the office.
Everything is moving along at the Seldon & Parmalee winter quarters, Lansing, Mich. New trailers are being built. The show will carry a stake driver, lifting device for loading canvas, and a dining car on a trailer with all modern improvements. The show will move on three large trucks and three trailers and one touring car, carrying fifteen people, ten numbers in the big show and four in the concert, also a side show. The big top will be a 60 foot with two 30 foot pieces.
The Hanna Triplets, three young ladies who look so much alike that it would seem necessary to label them in order to tell which was which. Young as these girls are, they have established a reputation in the show world, having played for Ringling Bros. for four years, and the past year with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
Los Angeles, Jan. 28. Escalante Bros. Show will open the season here February 10. It will be known as the show beautiful. Everything has been painted, the ring covered with double carpets, runners running in front of each row of ring-side seats with 350 seats, all velvet covered borders in silver and gilt braid, each cover marked E. B. in silver braid, all nickeled poles around the ring, with flowers (natural) for each of these poles (twenty-four of them), new Bolte lights, 78 mantels all told, also 100 electric lights (40 watts each), stage 30 by 18 feet. The show will travel in four cars. It has its own trucks to load and unload and two machines for the advance.
The line-up: Mariana Escalante, owner and manager; Pedro Escalante, assistant manager; Mrs. Emilia Escalante, treasurer; Mrs. Luce, ticket office; Alexandro Auvedo, ring side seats; Jesus Escalante, reserved seats; Richardo Sanchez, electrician; Lorenze Ascona, band director and stage manager; Marcus Escalante, producing clown; Rafael Trejo, boss canvasman; Cataline Escalante, ticket taker; Gabriel Anaya, head usher; Al Letellier, general agent; Manuel Escalante, Jose Garcia and Belesandro Acevedo, casting (net) act; Mariana, Eduardo, Filomeno and Pedro Escalante, casting (trampoline) act; Eduardo Escalente, Mariana, Aurora Escalante, Carlotta Garcia, Rufina Baserril, single trapeze acts; Manuel and Eduardo Escalante, double trapeze; Filomene Escalante and Belesandro Acevedo, tight and slack wire; Jose Rojas, perch and ropes; Eduardo Escalante, upside down and trapezes combination; Pedro Escalante, Roman rings; Mariana Escalante, Richardo Sanchez, Manuel Escalante, horizontal bars; Sanchy troupe of five people on their way from Mexico City; clown alley, Marcus Escalante, producer; Ricardo Sanchez, Mariana Escalante, Jose Garcia; Aurora Escaleante, juggler; Nicolas Ascona, hand balancer; Angela Escalante and Carlotta Garcia, contortionists; Andrea Sance, fire king and chair balancer; Evaristo Garcia, armless wonder; trained animal acts presented by Pedro Escalante; band and orchestra of nineteen pieces, under the direction of Lorenzo Ascona. Mr. and Mrs. Ascona will handle all stage acts, sketches, pantomimes, etc.
Charles Valentine has signed to lead the band of ten pieces with the John R. Van Arnam's Circus this season. He is wintering in Peekskill, N. Y. Chick Varnell will have charge of the sale of reserved seasts, in addition to doing his acts. Chick is playing dates this winter. William Brown will have charge of the trained stock. Fred DeArto of Syracuse, N. Y., will be one of the boys on clown alley and will also do his balancing act. Irving (Danny) Benson will again have charge of all the seats. Mr. and Mrs. Van Arnam and their daughter Jane are expected at winter quarters, Northville, N. Y. early this month. James Ryan will have charge of the canvas.
Doc Ogden, formerly of the Cole Bros. Circus, will be the side show manager this coming season with the Walter L. Main Circus. Andrew Downie will send his elephants and menage horses to Baltimore for the week of March 8 as a feature attraction for the American Legion. Herman Griggs has all the new ring stock broken now and ready for the road. Mrs. Andrew Downie and Sallie Hughes are at work purchasing new material for parade wardrobe.
Billboard, February 14, 1920, pp. 58, 59, 61. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The International Mid-Winter Circus closed it season at Guelph, Ont., Can., on account of the "flu." Toronto, Hamilton and Guelph were big. Montreal, Port Arthur, Sault Ste. Marie and Winnipeg were to follow. A number of performers immediately left for Detroit, where they are engaged for the Shriner's Winter Circus, opening February 8. They included Madam Bedini and her horses, Nelson Sisters, James McCammon and Judy, the mule, and Abe Goldstein, clown. Cecil Lowande and his Major have gone to Peru to rest up for the balance of the winter. Charles Stokes is getting his comedy bar act in shape of the John Robinson Circus.
D. C. Hawn and Rhoda Royal, of the Rhoda Royal Show, recently paid a visit to Lancaster, Mo., and purchased from Col. W. P. Hall two car loads of draft horses, some cat animals and six car loads of tableaus and cages, including Mr. Hall's famous band wagon and a thirty-two whistle calliope. They also recently purchased one car load of horses from the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Shows, and a car load of tableaus and cages from the Sparks Shows. The Rhoda Royal Show is wintering at Valdosta, Ga., and will open its season early. The Stickney Family of riders will again be a big feature.
Galveston, Tex., Feb. 7. Christy Bros. Greater United Shows' winter quarters at 59th and D streets, this city, are humming with activity. Carpenters, painters, electricians, trainers, seamstresses, etc. are turning out now paraphernalia. A new outfit of canvas from horse tent to marquee has been ordered and already shipped. New show wagons, now being built at Parker's factory, are expected February 12. The train has been wired and will be electric lighted throughout. Supt. Quinlan purchased all new steel stakes and a new set of steel runs recently. Lynn Taylor has charge of the animal barn. Harry Montague the elephant barn, and Sam Bennett is working on animal acts. The show lost a big camel recently as a result from the kick of a horse. The Christy Shows open March 1 and close January 1, covering 22,000 miles last season.
Merritt Belew is in charge of the winter quarters of the Robert W. Buller Trained Animal Show at Friday Harbor, Wash., a few miles from Seattle in the Puget Sound. He will again be the equestrian director. Belew was at one time with the Norris & Rowe Show. C. W. Scott will be boss canvasman and Zelno will have the side show for the coming season. The Ed Barlow Troupe has been signed by Mr. Buller as one of the acts.
Tom Aumann, last season with the John Robinson and Sparks shows, has signed contract with the Great Middle West Shows to take complete charge of the Wild West, which will have all new canopy and seats. His wife will accompany him as a dancer with the show. Aumann is at present in Chicago, looking after his interest in his drug store.
John James (Washburn) will be boss canvasman on the John Robinson side show.
Happy Brandon will be in charge of the privileges with the Sells-Floto Circus this season.
Paul Brachard Family will sail for South America with the Shipp & Feltus Circus this month.
Bert Carroll will be steward on the Howe's Great London Show this season. Bert is wintering in Cincinnati.
Howard Ingram is trainmaster with the Heth Shows.
Joe Quinlan, of the old Hagenbeck Show, is superintendent of the Christy Shows. Charles McNay is boss canvasman.
Hook Cross, boss of props, and Walt McGinnis, superintendent of the side show canvas, will be back with the Sparks Show this season.
Earl Senate, of the Yankee Robinson Show, was in Chicago last week on his way home from Baraboo, Wis., where he purchased equipment for the show.
E. T. Curran, on the No. 3 advance car of the John Robinson Circus last season, is at home in Rutland, Vt.
Joseph V. Gifford, known as Calliope Joe, of the Ringling Bros. Show, has assumed the position as organist at the Washington Theater, Sherman, Tex.
Hilda and Bushy Miller, according to reports, are at their home in Canton, O. They will troupe again with the Sparks Show.
Leahy Bros., ring gymnasts, write that they are with DeRue Bros. Minstrels, featuring the famous Buck Leahy trick. They will not be under the white tops this season, as they are booked solid until July, after which they will take a few weeks' rest at their home in Pawtucket, R. I.
Jim Coffey, once renowned skeleton dude with the Barnum & Bailey Shows and famous as a lecturer and author on the subject of pre-natal influence, is wintering in Jacksonville, Fla.
C. C. (Cockey) Gibson is in California with the Brown Amusement Company since leaving Ringling Bros., as assistant on canvas. Gibson have become a benedict. His wife is Jolly Eve, the fat girl, with the show.
Victor Lee has arrived at Peru, Ind., and taken charge of the side show affairs of the Howe's London Shows.
Captain Harry Wilson, once noted side show manager and for many years with Pawnee Bill, is now in the carnival business, and according to reports is doing nicely with a trained wild animal arena and menagerie.
Arthur Whitler, contortionistic wire performer and trapeze artist, and Sid Kridello, comedy swinging wire equilibrist, and dog, Prince, are going big at each performance of the Rose Kilian Shows, playing through Georgia.
Mr. and Mrs. Veo Powers are engaged for their third season with the Christy Shows, and will soon leave their home in Corry, Pa. to join the circus at Galveston, Tex. The Powers have a statue act out of the ordinary.
The Bealls, feature novelty act with Andrew Downie's, Walter L. Main Show, have signed with Mr. Downie for another season, their fourth. They will spend a few weeks visiting their daughter, Hattie, and their son-in-law, who are with Sam Howe's Burlesque Show, and then report to the show in time for the opening.
Charles W. Foster, for twenty years with Barnum & Bailey, Ringling Brothers and other circuses, is with the Osage Oil & Refining Company.
Floyd G. Clark, acrobat and aerialist, late of the Russell Bros. Shows, is spending the winter at the home of his wife at Dillwyn, Va., and is practicing a new act for the coming season. He expects to be with the Flying Belmonts.
Myrtle Hinson, menage horse rider, cowgirl and elephant trainer, has signed with the John Robinson 10 Big Shows for the coming season. Miss Hinson, who was with the Rhoda Royal Show last season, working an elephant groupe, is at present in Pittsburg, Pa.
Discovered in the lobby of the Hotel Frances, Kokomo, Ind., January 30, three of the old school circus agents. They were George Aiken, formerly of the John Robinson Show; Wm. H. Delly, of Ringling, Barnum and Sells-Floto shows, and W. O. Tarkington, now owner and manager of the Kokomo Poster Advertising Company, but formerly of Gentry, Ringling and other shows. Aiken is with a manufacturing company of Cincinnati and Delly with an advertising concern of Chicago.
Salem, Ill., Feb. 7. C. R. LaMont, of LaMont Bros. Shows, has returned from a trip to New York, bringing along with him a shipment of animals he purchased from Louis Rhue. Included in the shipment was "Freda," a little elephant. Omer Eddings will shortly start breaking her for a new act.
Billboard, February 21, 1920, pp. 58, 59, 60. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The parade of the Sparks Show. No expense has been spared by manager Charles Sparks to make this feature an outstanding one. All of the old cross cages have been sold, and in their places will be sixteen 14 foot dens. All of these have been newly gold-leafed and painted, and half of them have pictured sides. More than $1,100 worth of gold leaf has been used on the parade wagons alone. A carload of big dapple grey draft horses has arrived, and every den in the parade will be six-horse drawn. All new wardrobe has been ordered. . . . The executive staff remains the same as last year. C. B. Fredericks will be general superintendent and assistant manager; Clifton Sparks, treasurer; William Morgan, secretary; J. C. Kelly, legal adjuster; Charles Bernard, advance press agent; Fletcher Smith, press agent back with the show; Col. Stanton, in charge of the side show; Albert Keller, superintendent of privileges; George Singleton, superintendent of canvas; Fat Cross, trainmaster; Henry Apples Welsh, boss hostler, and Gerry Vanderbilt, steward. Jack Phillips has the band again, and Emmett Doty, the front door on the kid show. The seating capacity has been enlarged, and there will be a down-town ticket sale this season.
New York, Feb. 12. About forty-five people of the Shipp & Feltus Circus sailed today for Kingston, Jamaica. Included in the list are Mr. and Mrs. Edward Shipp, daughter and son-in-law, O. De Seck, equestrian director; Archie Dunbar and the Flying Dunbars, Tan Araki Jap Troupe, Jack Mangean and troupe, Mr. and Mrs. Melrose, riding act; Paul Brachard Troupe, wife and four children; Sucy Sucy and Cry Cry Toni. Alexander Lowande, Marvelous Mellville and W. H. Middleton were at the dock to see the boat off. Five head of riding stock was included in the live stock shippment on the same vessel.
Lancaster, Mo., Feb. 13. Jerry Mugivan and Bert Bowers bought from W. P. Hall this week one hundred head of draft horses and three elephants for the Howe London Show. Rhoda Royal and D. C. Hawn purchased a steam calliope band wagon, ten tableaux wagons and fifty head of draft horses. Honest Bill was also a visitor in quest of elephants.
M. L. Clark & Sons Shows has had a successful winter season in Florida. Business manager W. W. Clark has just returned from Key West and Havana, Cuba, where the show will exhibit in March. James J. Sullivan and Mack Walden, agents, are billing the show heavily.
H. I. Ellis, well-known circus agent, has signed with Dan France, of the Rhoda Royal Circus, as general contracting agent.
Albert Gaston, veteran clown, will be with Gentry Bros. Show this season.
Malcolm, comedy juggler, has signed with Walter L. Main Circus to appear in the side show.
Harry Wertz, well known in circusdom, will take out a dramatic show under canvas. Bert Chipman will be the man ahead.
Jake Friedman, Dolly Clayton, LaBelle Sultana and LaCiel Hoey have been engaged as oriental dancers with the Christy Circus.
Robortio, contortionist, sailed February 14 for San Juan, Porto Rico, for a tour from eight to twelve months with the Martinho Lowande Circus.
The great success of Ida St. Leon in the legitimate, caused a wave of pride and gratification to sweep the dressing room tops. Instances of this sort prove the whole show world kin.
Ray Floyd, known as "Red," is to join the Ringling Bros. band at Madison Square Garden. Ray will play trap drums, bells and xylophone solos.
G. R. Bacon, who has been with the John Robinson Circus for several years, will be with this show again this season.
Ed G. Holland says that owing to some misunderstanding he is now signed with Walter L. Main Circus and not with the John Robinson Circus, as he first reported. His position will be that of twenty-four hour man.
A. S. Colon has been engaged to manage the side show on Cook Bros. Circus this season, his second season under the Cook banner. R. M. Jones will act as assistant manager, and will also do the legal adjusting.
John R. Agee writes that his circus is playing under the auspices of the American Legion, Washington, D. C., week of February 16.
Earl Dayton and W. L. Williams, of the Barnum & Bailey Shows, are playing in the orchestra at the Empress Theater, Des Moines, Ia. Doc Hogue is the leader and George F. Clark, an oldtime circus manager, is manager of the house.
Charles Rube Boyd, after being off the road for the past three years, will re-enter the circus game again this season as producing clown with Cook Bros. Circus, opening near Trenton, N. J., early in April. He is located in Camden, N. J.
Harry Silver, on the No. 1 advance car of the John Robinson Circus last season, has signed a contract to be with the Sparks advance force this season. He is spending the winter in Birmingham, Ala.
Delno Fritz, one of the best known side show performers, and one of the original Barnum & Bailey side show people who were with the show the first season in Europe, is with the Polack Bros. 20 Big Shows. Fritz says that carnivals are O. K.
Kenneth Maynard, formerly a Wild West rider with the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey shows, is now with the Oil Field Leasing Association, of Ft. Worth, Tex., and is facinated with the oil game.
Kenneth R. Waite Trio opened at the William K. Fox's Liberty Theater, St. Louis, and were given a pleasant surprise, as the general director of the theater was their old frined, Walter D. Shaffer, formerly treasurer of the Sun Bros. Circus.
Roster of the band with the Shipp & Feltus Circus sailing for Kingston, Jamaica: Charles B. Stewart, bandmaster; Ira Haynes, Carl Harring, D. A. Ricard, George Handy, J. T. Kyle, Ed Stewart, W. J. Kinnamon, Frank Mullikin, W. E. Williams, H. L. Back, Gabe Russ, Jack Senter and A. G. ___. This will be Mr. Stewart's fourth tour in ten years with this circus, having joined in 1910.
Emil A. Arp will open his Great American Circus about November 5 near Quenemo, Kan. He will only operate for a winter season of approximately fifteen weeks, and contemplates moving the entire show in five wagons. From twelve to fifteen people will be carried on the Great American. Mr. Arp will be with the Lucky Bill Circus during the summer season, and will not open his little outfit until that show closes. He will go to Quenemo, Kan., the latter part of this month and take charge of the painting department at Lucky Bill's winter quarters. The Lucky Bill show will be one of the best overland circus on tour this season.
Harry DeCleo, aerial gymnast, scored a hit at the Armory Skating Rink, Marysville, O., his home town, last week.
Ed Rowe, former circus man, late baggage man for the Chicago Opera Association, is now in a similar position with the Russian Opera Company, touring the Orient.
The R. T. Richards Indoor Circus is now playing New York State to good business, one of the best indoor circuses that ever played in vaudeville theaters. Fred Bradna, general manager and equestrian director has gotten some of the best acts in circus business. As most of the acts are booked with the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus, it is only possible to play a few more weeks. There are thirty-six people with the company, fourteen head of stock, besides dogs, bears and other animals, and seven dray loads of baggage.
The program: Harry LaPearl and clown band, R. T. Richards' performing ponies, Hillary Long, head balancing trapeze; James Teddy, great jumper, assisted by George Davis, late clown of the New York Hippodrome; performing bears, worked by Capt. Curtis and John Slater; Mme. Bradna's performing ponies and dogs on a revolving table, also unridable mule; Harry LaPearl, with his long shoe dance; Silbon Sisters, aerial iron jaw; Loretta LaPearl and her posing pony and dog, in a "Study in White"; George Davis, Andrew White, Billy Roscoe and Oscar Jordan, in a clown number, called "The Barometer"; the Three Comrades, comedy acrobatic act; George Davis and Andrew White, in a burlesque riding act; Harry LaPearl, in his burlesque snake dance, assisted by John Slater, Loretta LaPearl, Andrew White and Pauline, as the oriental jazz orchestra; Mme. Bradna's performing horses, dogs and pigeons; Hillary Long, a head slide on a wire. Others with the show are Lawrence Worrell, treasurer; C. L. Hayes, in advance; Frank Enos and wife; George Ellis, in charge of ring stock; Raymond Mullen, known as "Mull," superintendent of the pigeon crates, and Jimmy Silbon. The property men and grooms are Geo. Donehue, Alec Julion, Henry Spore, Robert E. Lee and Harry Dough.
Billboard, February 28, 1920, pp. 62, 63, 64, 65, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
An important deal in the circus field was consummated last week when Edward Arlington, agent for Sells-Floto Circus, bought the Metropolitan Opera lease from Ottokar Bartik for the Coliseum in Chicago, for the month of April. Negotiations had been pending for several weeks. As a result the Sells-Floto Super Circus, the second largest circus in this country, will show there, commencing April 3. The Coliseum has been secured for the month of April for three years by Mr. Arlington for the Tammen organization. Frank Wirth, well-known showman, is importing feature acts, now exhibiting at Olympia, London, England, for the Sells-Floto Show. With the exception of last year, and one year when the Barnum & Bailey Circus played the Coliseum, Ringling Bros. Circus had been making the Coliseum its initial stand each spring for many years.
Everything is in readiness for the season of 1920 of the Cook Bros. Circus and Wild West. The show will be an overland outfit, the same as last season, adding five new five-ton trucks for transportation. Vic Foster, general agent, is now touring New England territory, and from all accounts the show will go down East. William Witt, boss canvasman, is in quarters with a force of men, putting on the finishing touches. A number of last season's people will again be back with the show. Art Eldridge will be equestrian director, Mr. and Mrs. McLoud, James McLoud, Lockland and Lockland adn LLoyd and Lloyd will be in the big show program; Jess Bullick in the wagon; Whitie Jones, side show tickets and the oriental show; Al Conlin, superintendent of side show. Mr. Cook recently made a trip to Coatesville, Pa., purchasing from George Barton all of his Wild West stock, a hurdle mule and a troupe of white angora goats. Mae and George Barton will again be with the show. Winter quarters are located at 25 Fair street, Trenton, N. J.
North Little Rock, Ark., has been the home of the Col. Hall Railroad Shows since the closing of the season last November. This show will open early in March as one of the best two-car shows on the road, with all new canvas and a new eighty-two foot baggage car, all steel, the same as the new Pullman, with a Delco light plant on the cars, steam heat and running water in the rooms, for the people. William Campbell, the manger, has returned from a trip down East, where he signed some big acts for the coming season. Frank Hall is breaking a new dog and pony act, Mrs. Frank Hall will work the dogs and monkeys, while Emery Stiles will work the elephant act. George Irving will again be side show manager, and Tom Ford pit show manger. Clarence Auskings, general agent, is now in the North getting out a new line of special paper for the show and closing railroad contracts. Milton W. Jehu will again be Mr. Ausking's second man, with four of the fastest billers on the road. Mr. Auskins, this winter, has been out with the Great Herrmann, the magician, now playing the Central States Circuit of theaters.
Howe's Great London Shows. At Peru, Ind. (the Circus City), a few days ago there arrived one hundred head of dapple gray draft horses. The show will have three rings, two stages, hippodrome track, Wild West and water show. The magnitude of the Howe Show for the coming season: the combined capacity of the two dining tents will be for 700 persons at one sitting, the top will seat 8,000 people, the menagerie top will be a 70 with five center poles; the side show will be a 70 with three poles; the dressing roon a 70 with three poles; the horse tent a 70 with three poles. - Victor Lee.
The winter quarters of the John R. Van Arnam Circus at Northville, N. Y. is a busy place. Billy Brown is daily breaking the new four-pony act and high school horse. Eddie Whitham is at work every day in the paint shop. Henry Weaver is in the carpenter shop and has the new seats all built, and one of the five new cages which will be with the show this season. Prof. Horace Davenport blew into quarters last week. The professor was with the show last season, having charge of the seats, also doing his musical act in the concert. He is going to break and work a pair of bear cubs, which Mr. Van Arnam has purchased. George LaVal, who is playing at the Grand Theater, Rutland, Vt., is expected back for his fourth season.
John L. Loveland will be on the advance of the Yankee Robinson Show again this season.
Frank, the Broom King, has signed with manager W. H. McFarland's side show on the John Robinson Circus for this season. May Blasser, known as "May, the Reptile Queen," has signed contracts for the coming season with the John Robinson.
George L. Evans, who was with the Walter L. Main Show last season, will have the advertising banners and a concession with the Rhoda Royal Show this season.
Slivers Johnson, who has been with the John Robinson Circus for seven seasons, will again in clown alley on that show this season. Johnson is wintering in Akron, O.
"Jim" Morrow was compelled to cancel his contract with the Backman-Tinsch Wild Animal Circus for the coming season when he was engaged as equestrian manager, announcer and side show manager. Jim is a one-third owner and general manager of a winter resort on the West coast of Florida. It is customary to close the season there on or about March 1, and then Jim goes on the road for the tented season, but this winter the patrons of his Pine Harbor Lodge intend to prolong their visits, making it impossible for him to open with Barckman-Tinsch at San Antonio, Tex.
Ada, Ok., Feb. 21. Work around the quarters of the Honest Bill Show is coming to an end and everything will be in readiness for a big opening here March 26 and 27. Mr. Kitchen, the Mayor, has an edict declaring a holiday for March 26 adn the Chamber of Commerce will close every store. Honest Bill stopped over at W. P. Hall's, Lancaster, Mo., purchasing an elephant. He then left for Kansas City, visiting Mr. Horne, of the Horne Zoological Arena, and purchased a couple of elk. Mrs. Newton joined Honest Bill in Kansas City, and from there they went to the 101 Ranch, at Bliss, Ok., and Honest Bill purchased two buffaloes, two ostriches and Mr. Miller's favorite high school horse, Prince, the bridleless wonder. While in Bliss Honest Bill purchased considerable show paraphernalia for Princess Wenona, who has retired from the show game and is now living on a ranch near Bliss. The Honest Bill Show will be one of the finest outfits on the road. Every department will be electric lighted from the show's own plants. Booger Red, late of the 101 Ranch; Loosefoot May, Texas Red, Wyoming Jim and Diamond Pat will put on the Wild West with the show. - M. S. Starbuck.
Ray E. Dunning, trap drummer, well known in circus and theatrical circles, died at Fransworth Hospital, Mitchell, S. D., February 18 of heart trouble. The deceased was an old trouper with Sells-Floto, Tom Christy, the White Shows, and many others. He leaves a widowed mother and brother. Interment made at Stevens Point, Wis.
William Thompson, 66, one of the most successful and best known breakers of elephants in the circus world, died in Chicago at the County Hospital, February 19. He was formerly associated with the Forepaugh, Burr Robbins and Frank A. Robbins shows, and also worked elephants in vaudeville. Mr. Thompson was also a skilled glass blower, following that trade at Riverview Park about a year ago. He is said to have been the first man to have placed a glass blowing show aboard a railroad car. Interment was at Showmen's League Rest, Woodlawn Cemetery. Three daughters survive him.
Billboard, March 6, 1920, pp. 40, 58, 59, 60, 61, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Art Monette (in private life John Anderson), circus comedy acrobat, and Morna Winters, of Pontiac, Ill., were married in that city, February 17. Mr. Monette will be with the John Robinson Circus the coming season.
Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 28. The Great Sanger Circus, wintering at the Tri-State Fair grounds since last November, will open its season in Memphis, Monday, April 19, playing a week's engagement under the auspices of the Al Chymia Temple of the Shriners. A centrally located downtown lot has been secured for the engagement. Poggy O'Brion [sic O'Brien?], superintendent, has just turned out of the shops an entire new set of seats. The ring stock is in charge of Soldier Johnson. The paint shop is in charge of Al Kimball. Howard King, manager, left last week for New York City, in search of animals for the menagerie, which will be featured this season. En route to New York he purchased an eighty foot baggage car in Philadelphia. When Fred Melvn, bandmaster, waves his baton and the band strikes up "Get Your Rags On" for the first time, an entire new spread of canvas will be seen. A 70 foot round top with two twenties and one forty foot middle piece will be used this season. The kid top will be a fifty with two twenty foot middle pieces.
New York, Feb. 27. Edward Arlington informed a Billboard representative last week that he has a deal under way to secure, if possible, the Sarassini Circus, now playing in Europe, and said to be the bigget show on the continent. In one act there are nineteen elephants. Mr. Arlington is also trying to get the show now playing the Olympia, London.
John R. Agee's Big 20-Act All-Star Circus played a successful engagement in Washington, D. C., February 14-21, under the auspices of the District of Columbia Department of the American Legion. Mr. Agee, who owns and directed the circus, put on a fine professional show. Mr. Agee's Circus was backed by high officials. The Patronesses were headed by Mrs. Woodrow Wilson and Mrs. Thomas R. Marshall; the Honorary Committee headed by Vice President of the United States and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. A list of the acts: John R. Agee, equestrian director; Merle Evans, bandmaster; Theresa Dog, Pony and Pigeon Circus; Aerial Troy, trapeze contortionist; the Stickneys, bareback horse and Indian riding act; Raymond's novelty iron jaw and wire performers; Irene Montgomery, flying ladder performer; the Mechanic, a device for teaching beginners how to ride a bareback horse; Lillian Russell, balancing trapeze; J. Schubert, equilibrist; Curtiss' Dog and Pony Circus; Riding DeMotts, bareback and carrying act; the Great Paldrens, jumpers and airplane spinners; Fred Stelling, clown; Rice, Bell and Baldwin, comedy acrobatic clowns, and others. The circus played for the benefit of the Richmond (Va.) Post of the American Legion week of February 25-28. General Pershing was a guest of honor at the opening performance there.
The last seen of Frank Van Hoover, he was headed South to join the advance of M. L. Clark's Wagon Show.
H. R. Brison will again be with Sam Dock's Great Keystone Show to look after the privileges and do the buying for the cookhouse.
William Herman left Johnstown, Pa., to join the Rhoda Royal Circus at Valdosta, Ga. Mr. Herman has signed as chef and has engaged Oscar F. Fox as his assistant.
The Silver Family Show will not go on the road this season, but instead stay at Silver Park, Crystal, Mich. The Silver Family will operate their theaters at Granville and Crystal, Mich.
Tex Watts and wife, late of the Rhoda Royal Show, visited the Superior Shows during their stay in Mobile, Ala. Tex is figuring on handling the elephants with the Yankee Robinson Shows this season.
Walter LeRoy, who has changed his name to Lewis Karson, was with the J. T. McCaddon Show while in France in 1905. He was the chest expansionist in the side show. Karson writes that he is expecting to take out an escape act with one of the big ones this season.
Doc. Wm. Taylor has signed contracts to go in advance of the Great Keystone Wagon Show, Sam Dock, owner. Taylor has been with Lee Bros. Carnival for the past four seasons. He will go to his home in Lancaster until the show opens.
A seven pound girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Penny Parker in Santa Ana, Cal., on February 10. The Parkers were with Hugo Bros. Circus last season. Mr. Parker has been with the Jones Brothers for several years, doing a contortion and trapeze act.
Floyd Trover, of the M. L. Clark & Sons Shows, visited the Tampa (Fla.) Fair with his family, who are touring Florida for the winter. The Trovers will soon rejoin the show, which is playing to good business, and which will start North from Wanchula, Fla., for the summer.
G. Burkhart, magician and side show orator, has added two more houses to his large property holding in Brooklyn. He expects to leave on April 1 for Memphis, Tenn., winter quarter of the Sanger Circus, where he will again have charge of the annex, oriental and illusion show.
George W. Beckly, old-time circus agent, died at The Dauphin County Home, Harrisburg, Pa., February 23, of pneumonia, at the age of 62 years, and was buried in the Harrisburg Cemetery. Mr. Beckley is survived by a brother and a niece.
Macon, Ga., Feb. 28. The Sparks Circus will open here about the middle of March. Mr. Sparks is delighted with his quarters here and the Macons business men, with whom he spent about $35,000 last winter, are elated because he will bring his shows here again next winter. It is probable that he will make this city the permanent winter home of his circus, and that he will build a residence here. Friends say that he has practically decided on these plans, but he has not confirmed the report. The show will have a sort of informal opening before they play here. The Macon Style Show will take place early next month. On Children's Day, about March 7, there will be a parade in which elephants and camels from the circus will take part, advertising the latest styles. During the parade free tickets will be given to the children by Mr. Sparks. These will entitle them to visit the menagerie of the circus at Central City Park.
Ray Dick has signed contracts with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show for the coming season to place his pit show. Mr. Dick has ordered a new outfit from the U. S. Tent and Awning Co. He is located for the winter at his home in Kokomo, Ind., where he has opened up a vulcanizing and retreading plant. Mr. Dick has been associated with some of the large circuses for the past fourteen years.
Canton, O., Feb. 28. The Siegrists have signed contracts to appear again this season with the Ringling-Barnum & Baily Combined Shows. They are now rehearsing their act preparatory to joining the big show next month. They will leave their home here March 15 for New York, where they will rehearse several days at Madison Square Garden prior to the opening performance, March 25. The troupe this season will include three women and four men.
Canton, O., Feb. 28. Rumors that Karl King, last season bandmaster with the Barnum & Bailey Circus band, would troupe again this season was quieted here when he told The Billboard representative that he was through with the circus game for life. King is conductor of the G. A. R. band here, is identified with Sutton's orchestra, playing at the Grand Opera House, and devotes his spare time to his band compositions.
Andrew Downie a few days ago visited his old friend, Walter L. Main, at the old winter quarters of the Main Circus in Geneva, O. He purchased considerable show property from Mr. Main, which will be shipped to winter quarters at Havre de Grace, Md., where the original Main Circus will open April 17. Mr. Downie has not purchased the Walter L. Main title, as some people imagine. He has leased it only, and the lease expires after two more circus seasons. At the close of the show season of 1921 the name reverts back to Main. . . . Downie went to Chicago to attend the showmen's conventon, and while there arranged for considerable show property, including a private car. It is understood Gov. Downie positively intends to retire, no matter what happens, when the Main lease expires, as he has purchased 2,200 acres of land in Northwestern Canada. He expects to spend a few years breaking this up and putting it in shape for sale, and then retire permanently to his home in Medina, N. Y. It is understood that Walter L. Main himself will again take the reins in 1922, and proposes to remain in the show business the balance of his life. The Main Circus will be of twenty-car size this season, nineteen with the show and one in advance. Plans are underway to make the show thirty cars in 1922, it is said.
Quenemo, Kan., Feb. 27. From present indications the Lucky Bill Show will be the largest this year that it has been in its thirty-five years on the road. The show will move in at least twenty wagons, and carry one hundred head of stock, counting the ring stock, the Wild West and baggage stock. Johnny Logan, late of the Barnes Show, will have charge of the baggage stock. Two elephants, two buffaloes and three cages of smaller animals will also be carried. Lucky Bill recently paid a visit to the W. P. Hall animal farm at Lancaster, Mo., where he purchased a large elephant and a trained bear. He also purchased some small animals and twenty head of dapple gray horses. Emil Arp has charge of the painting department. Walter Nelson, who has charge of the Wild West, is breaking two young buffaloes. Riding them will be one of the features of the Wild West. Miss Cresey Rowell, of Libby, Mont., will be a strong drawing card for the Wild West with her fancy rifle shooting act. The Nelson Family band of six pieces, with four others assisting, will make the ten piece band that will furnish the music.
Some of the features of the big show will be Grace Brown, in her menage act, also juggling act; Charles Brown, and C. Schindler, trapeze performer. Tot Nelson will have charge of clown alley, with Billy Bennett and three others assisting. Hazel Logan, principal lady clown, will keep them laughing while the folks come in. Little Cupid, the educated pony, will be a feature of the big show. Lucky Bill is training her in a mind reading act. The performance will open with an oldtime Virginia reel, with eight ladies and eight men, all on horseback. Red Westbrook will have the two pit shows. The wagons will all be new this year, Lucky Bill having purchased them from the Beggs Wagon Works in Kansas City. The writer, who has charge of the concessions for the past three seasons, will branch out this season by putting on one of the best framed cabarets that will be on the road. The show will open in Quenemo, Kan., on April 3, and then play Southwestern territory. - Jack Riddle.
Massillon, O., Feb. 27. Organization of the J. J. Evans Motorized Circus, to take the road early in April under the personal directon of J. J. Evans, well-known animal trainer and circus man, is in progress at winter quarters here. Evans announced the outfit will start the season with fifteen trucks, and territory will include Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Evans said that twenty-five head of stock, forty-five people and a ten piece band will be carried. Evans is manger of Daniel, The Great, the horse with a human brain., and for the past several years has been exhibiting the horse at fairs.
Mrs. Josephine DeMott, widow of James DeMott, died at the home of her daughter Camille at Frankford, Pa., February 21. She was the mother of the DeMott family of riders, Willie, Josie (Josie DeMott Robinson) and Louise (Mrs. Robert Stickney Jr.). Mrs. Josephine DeMott was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Renier, who were both well known to the early American circuses, Mrs. DeMott herself being a wonderful bareback rider.
Jake Glass, well known as an animal trainer, late with Harry Lukens' Animal Show, with which organization he was connected for 10 years, until it closed, died recently of Bright's disease at Reading, Pa. After leaving the road he entered the transfer business.
Elmer Krumeine, acrobat of the Bros. Damm team, died at Womelsdorf, Pa., December 16. He appeared with the S. H. Barrett Show in the early 80s, then appeared with the Sells Bros. Later he joined the Miller, Okey and Freeman Show. He toured England, France, Austria and Germany. On his return to this country he played vaudeville only. He is survived by a widow, three daughters and one son.
Billboard, March 13, 1920, pp. 40, 58, 59, 60, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. New York, March 6. . . . The May Wirth act will be the headliner in the equestrian line this year. The Hannaford Family is not to be with the show, as it has contracted with the Sells-Floto Shows. Miss Wirth has been offered $1,500 a week by the Capitol Theater for an engagement, but is unable to accept, as she has signed with the circus for the summer. She is now in vaudeville, playing Keith Time around New York. The circus opens at the Garden, Thursday, March 26, with a new top price of $3, plus the tax. Last year's top was $2.75.
Mighty Haag Shows opened the 1920 season at Marianna, Fla., February 4, and has been doing a regular summer and fall business since. More than one hundred horses and mules, as well as eight trucks and four touring cars, are used to transport the show. The menagerie consists of eleven cages, three elephants, two camels, with Chas. Duncan in charge of elephants and Luther Hicks in charge of cage animals. Dave Durett has the side shows, and Brownie Rogers, privileges. W. X. Fisher is press agent. H. D. Hubbard is in charge of the ticket wagon, with Wm. Sprouls, assistant. Harry Rhodes, side show door; Mrs. R. Haag, big show door; Frank McGuyre, adjuster; Frank Bruso, general agent; Dad Cutting, contracting agent; Harry Bender, boss canvasman; Mitchel Sissons, boss hostler; Napoleon Reed, cook house; Carl Sparks, master mechanic of motor equipment; E. Haag, owner and paymaster; Prof. Hodges, equestrian director. The performance includes Larkin's Troupe, Hodge's Troupe, Fay, James and Johnson; Carrie Tinsley, Matilda Essig, Ethel McGuyre, Spider Mardello, Doc Grant, Roy Fortune, Tom Mathews, Noble Padgett, Arthur Hightower, Mother Frank, LeRoy's performing elephants, horses, ponies and dogs. Roster of band, with Don Essig, leader: Ed Berwin, James McDonough, Paul Polan, Rusty Essig, Francis Essig, A. N. Johnson, C. B. Hinchy, James Anderson. Mrs. Della Larkins is calliope player. The Haag show expects to stay out forty weeks this season.
Rockford, Ill., March 6. David Jarrett, who has been with various circuses, and who is now manager of the Rockford Poster Advertising Company, has bought out the advertising plants at Garden Prairie, Marengo, Union and Huntley, Ill.
The R. T. Richards Indoor Circus closed its season in Amsterdam, N. Y., March 6. Manager Fred Bradna has already made plans to take the show out again next winter. Mr. and Mrs. Harry LaPearl, who were putting on some of the clown numbers with the show, will play a few more weeks in vaudeville before starting on their regular circus season.
J. Wilcox, of the Robinson Circus, has the band table in the cookhouse of Sparks Show.
Hank Young and Red Floyd write that they are going big with the Ageen All-Star Indoor Circus.
R. H. Hartman and W. E. Carmichael will operate the privilge car for Andrew Downie this season.
Joe Wilde, with the John Robinson Shows, season 1914-15-16 and 1919, will again be with the show this season.
Nels Lansten will again be superintendent of tickets on the John Robinson Circus.
Henry Schmidt, former chef on Sun Bros. Circus, is chef at the New Martin Hotel, Wilmington, O. Schmidt says that he will troupe this season.
Guy Smuck will handle tickets on the John Robinson Circus this season.
The Maxwell Trio have signed with Sells-Floto, and will present their comedy bar act. The trio consists of Lon Tarrance, Newton J. Lacy and W. K. Maxwell.
Whitie Lehrter will be boss canvasman on the Gentry Bros. Show this season. Whitey is mourning the loss of his brother, Franke, who died in Reading, Ohio, February 24.
Jack Hart, with the Ceramie Poster Advertising Co., E. Liverpool, O., will join the John Robinson Show, with which he has been connected for the past four seasons.
Kitty May Irwin, of the Three Irwins, has purchased a valuable piece of land in Missouri, near the home of her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. J. Irwin. They are all awaiting the call of the bluebird.
Frank Orman and his wife have left New Orleans, where they have been spending the winter, for Houston, Tex. Mr. Orman will take up his duties as superintendent of reserved seat tickets with the Gentry Bros. Show.
The Escalante Bros. Show opened at San Diego, Cal., February 6, for five days, then went to Tia Juana, Mexico, February 13, for five days, playing to good business at both places.
The Walter L. Main Society Circus, which was with the Ben Kraus Carnival and finished the regular season of 1919, is now in Geneva, O., and is booked with one of the big circuses for 1920. The Main Show will play in theaters in March before the tented season opens.
Myrtle Hinson, menage rider and cowgirl, late of the Rhoda Royal Shows, and who will this season be with the John Robinson Circus, is ill with pneumonia at Pittsburg, Pa.
Marie Milette, aerialist, who is spending the winter at home with her mother in Titusville, Pa., will this coming season be with the Sells-Floto Circus, presenting her single aerial act in the big show, and playing the calliope.
Ray Brison informs that Jake Glass, well known animal man, who died about a month ago, was with the late Harry Lukens Animal Show for ten years. He was born in Germany.
Milton A. (Toots) Robbins will be with the Gentry Bros. Show this season, having placed his pit show. The show will open at Houston, Texas, April 5. Robbins purchased a new tent and four new banners for the front from the Beverly Company, and will feature nakes, as usual. Mrs. Milton A. Robbins and daughter, Maxine, will be with the show.
Ed and Blanche Myhre, of Myhre's Motor Circus, have been playing houses the past eighteen weeks. They will close their hall season March 22 and go to their winter quarters at Grand Meadow, Minn., to get the tent outfit ready for the summer season. Work at the quarters has been in charge of "Irish" McDonough.
Harry Thompson, silly kid clown, has arrived on Broadway, ready for the opening of the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows. Harry has some surprises in the way of opening numbers and walk-arounds.
John Denier, clown, is 90 years old and still doing a stilt act and Punch and Judy. He was a brother of the late Tony Denier, and plays fairs, celebrations and parks in and around New Orleans in the summer. John does a sailor's hornpipe on stilts. His last New York engagement was at Niblo's Garden more than fifty years ago. He was in England with the Nun Family of acrobats seventy years ago.
From a notice in a Peoria (Ill.) daily we noted that Archie Royer, who has been with the circus and played vaudeville for many years, has given up the show business, and will go to Bangor, Mich., to devote his time to his farm. Royer is 59 years of age. He began trouping in 1875 as a clown with Washburn's Last Sensation. Washburn was the father of the now famous Leon Washburn. He was principal clown with Bachelor & Doris, John O'Brien's and Barnum circuses, when those white tops were still transported over the country by wagon. In later years he worked for Ringling Bros., B. E. Wallace, Walter L. Main, Sells Bros. and Hagenbeck-Wallace shows. Mrs. Royer, known to the stage as Mizpah Selvini, is a daughter of the great European Selbini family, famous bicycle artists.
B. G. Amsden (Peck) has been signed by Andrew Downie, of the Walter L. Main Circus, as legal adjuster this coming season. This will make Mr. Amsden's third consecutive year with Mr. Downie. Clark Smith, well known boss hostler, will have charge of the stock. "Muldoon" Hartman and "Baldy" Carmichael, who were last on the road with LaTena's Circus, have leased the dining car. The show will open at Havre de Grace, Md., April 17. Pop Coy is still hard at work in winter quarters with Herman Griggs and Doc Williams. The large corps of workinmen under their direction have rebuilt and remodeled the entire show. Capt. Billy Emerson, the calliope king, will have a new calliope. Capt. Emerson has been in the South for the past few weeks putting a calliope with a carnival in running order. - James Heron
The Hardy and Handford Dog & Pony Shows will open the season April 1 with all new canvas. Mr. Handford has been busy training new stock, while Mr. Hardy has been buying equipment, etc. The show will travel in eight wagons. Doc Troy will have the concessions, Doc Graves the side show, Charles Campbell the ring stock, Robert Burns the advance. The Aerial Ekhoffs will be with the show.
New York, March 5. Nat Burton, of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows, announces his marriage to Florence Elliott, who until recently appeared in vaudeville. Burton says they were married in New York at the West Side M. E. parsonage.
Granger, Iowa, March 6. The Yankee Robinson Three Ring Wild Animal Circus will go out as a thirty-car show this season. More than sixty men are at present at the Buchanan farm getting things ready for the road. Addition animals have been received during the past few weeks from Louis Ruhe, Horne's and the Selig Zoo. Three animals from the Sells-Floto show were received last week and have been turned into the big lion act. Twenty lions are used in the last big display, sixteen of them full grown male lions. The riding bears and the riding leopard on the zebras, the big camel acts, the aerial lion and ponies are among the new animal acts. The show still retains the polar bear groups, the puma and leopard act, together with the animal acts used last season. Capt. Tiebor's sea lions, Eddie Sauer's pigs, and the Smith dog and monkey act will be featured with the wild animal acts in the arena. Tom Smith has a number of leaping greyhounds in his act this year. Max Sabel has his dancing horses all in trim and the liberty acts are completed. Kenneth Waite has a number of clowns lined up.
The folding seat wagons were so successful last season that two more were built this year, giving twenty-three hundred capacity on the long side. They are eighteen tiers high. A new arena wagon has been built which does away with a lot of work around the show. The Louden Company has completed a new canvas loader for the show. The double stake driver and puller will be used again, as will other labor saving devices. Jim McNulty has his side show lined up and is having an attractive front painted by the United States people in Chicago. The show opens April 17, at Boone, Iowa.
Everything is humming around the winter quarters of the Christy Bros. Railroad Shows at Galveston, Tex. Sam Bennett is working out the animal acts daily. One of the features of the program this season will be a mixed group fo animals - elephant, horse, two hybreds and two dane dogs. Everett James will have charge of the band again. There will be fifteen musicians under his direction. Mrs. James will be one of the features of the big show performance, introducing her iron jaw specialty. Doebeck, the tramp juggler, will again make them laugh. "Bink," wizard of the slack wire, has arrived at the quarters. Nelson, that funny clown, is a permanent fixture with G. W. Christy.
Earnest Emerson Groseclose, 33, died at his home in Indianapolis, Ind., of tuberculosis, which developed from influenza. He was a concessionaire with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus for the past seven years, and was popularly known as "Cotton." He is survived by his parents, two sisters and a brother.
Frost R. Lemen, of Lemen Brothers Circus fame, died February 28 at Wilcrest Hospital, Kansas City, of uremic poisoning. He had been in ill health for the past six months. For more than 27 years he was associated with his brothers in Lemen Brothers Circus and later the Pan-American Cricus. The Lemen Circus was traded to a Sioux City company for 26,000 acres of grazing land in Wyoming and a ranch in Holdt County, Neb.
Billboard, March 20, 1920, pp. 84, 86, 87, 88, 89. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Shipp & Feltus Circus opened at Kingston, Jamaica, February 24 to a turnaway crowd. With the shows are Charles Stewart and his band, Loos and Loos in a trapeze act; Marie Meers, bareback rider; Tormo Kichi, Japanese artist in a hand balancing act; Virginia Shipp, high bred menage horse, "Benito"; Juggling Walkers; the Paul Brackard Troupe of novelty contortionists; Tan Araki Troupe of Japanes, iron jaw act; the Melroses, jockey act with two horses; Ishi Karo, Japanese artist who stands upon his head on a slender trapeze bar and does dangerous tricks; the Mangean Troupe of six acrobats, who do a tandem somersault, in which two men are thrown into the air, turning a complete somersault together, and then light on the shoulders of another, and the Dunbar Trio of aerial artists.
Frost R. Lemen [or Lemon], one of the Lemen Brothers of circus fame, who died at the Wilcrest Hospital, Kansas City, Mo., February 28, at the age of 65, had been, until eleven years ago when he retired, in the circus business practically all of his life. For more than twenty-seven years he was associated with his brothers in Lemen Bros. Circus, and later the Pan-American Circus. For twenty years Kansas City was the headquarters of the Lemen Circus, and for twelve years wintered at Dodson. Prior to that winter quarters were at Argentine, Kan. The circus began as a four-car show, but eventually grew to such proportions that almost forty cars were required for its transportation. Frost R. Lemen is survived by a brother, Frank B. Lemen.
Val Vino, the well known lecturer and "word painter," who has been connected with the Ringling Bros. Circus for the past nine years as lecturer in the side show department, has been released from his contract for the season of 1920 by Lew Graham. Val has decided to devote his time and attention in the future to the oil business, having qualified as a salesman in selling oil stocks and leases.
New York, March 12. C. W. Finney, representing the Sells-Floto Circus, is in town and busy in the interests of the big show, which opens at the Coliseum in Chicago April 3. This is the earliest that the Sells-Floto has ever shown East of the Rocky Mountains. Following the Coliseum engagement the circus goes to St. Louis to begin its canvas tour. It will be in Boston two weeks ahead of the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Shows Combined.
Myhre's Motorized Circus will be all new this year. The hard tire trucks have all been traded in and seven new worm-drive, pneumatic tire trucks will be used. The new big top and side show canvas have arrived from the Beverly Company, also the new reserves and banners from the U. S. Tent and Awning Co. The side show will be a forty with a thirty middle, and a sixty foot string of eight by ten banners, double deck style. J. S. Robertson, with his performing cockatoos, monkeys and Punch and Judy, will have charge of the side show. A number of small animals will also be carried. Mr. Myhre recently purchased Harry Weydt's pickout pony, "Major, the horse with the human brain," and it will be featured in the big show.
The following people have signed for the coming season: A. J. Duffy, assistant manager; Hansen Family, trapeze, rings, head balancers and iron jaw act; Billy North, juggler, wire artist and producing clown; Rusty Johnson, side show canvas; Lon McDonough, big top canvas. Blanche Myhre will present her contortion and trapeze acts, and Mr. Myhre his illusions and performing dogs as added features in the big show.
The Spaun Family Show will open early in April with a new big top and an electric light plant. All the trucks are being overhauled at winter quarters, Limaville, O. George Door, who was musical director with this show twenty-two years ago, will lead the band this season. Mr. Spaun's daughter, Florence, and Byron Jr., are the third generation of Spauns in the show business.
Fred L. Gay will be with the Sells-Floto Show, opening in Chicago April 3.
Cuban Mack will again be with the Sparks Show, appearing in both the big and side shows.
The Everett Brothers have signed contracts with Cook Bros. Show and will be seen in clown alley.
E. Deacon Albright will be with the Howe's Great London Shows, playing the calliope and selling reserved seat tickets.
Harry Foster, who has been a trouper since 1875, has been engaged by Cook Bros. Show to clown and do his eccentric dancing act.
C. W. Sells, with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show last season, has signed a contract with the Sells-Floto Show for this season.
After an absence of one year from the white tops, George H. Williamson will be superintendent of props with the John Robinson Show this season.
Billy Reid, who has been slapsticking it for twenty-two years, writes that he will not clown this season, that he is an honest-to-goodness agent now.
Dode Fisk, formerly owner and manager of a good sized circus, has an educated horse, which is said to be a wonder. Dode lives at Wonewoc, Wis.
Jess Nix, oldtime band leader, with forty-eight years road experience, is located at Benton, Wis., where he is teaching the local band, and tuning pianos.
Edward J. Limoges, who clowned on the John Robinson show last season, is at present at Indianapolis, Ind. This season will find him on Howe's Great London Shows.
The Nazor Family has signed for the coming season with John F. Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin Company, and will use its own private automobile for transportation.
Doc Perry (Perry Kelper) who has trouped with both the big and little ones, is now in the employ of Uncle Sam, stationed at Camp Hospital, Camp Sherman, Ohio.
Paddy Nolan, Jim Malley, Tommy Downing and Josha Brown, who in the cookhouse on the Walter L. Main Show last season, will again be identified with that circus.
George Stodtler, known as "Dutch" Stodtler, who has been with the Logansport, Ind., Poster Adv. Co., will report on the No. 1 car of the John Robinson Circus as lithographer.
W. H. Westlake, formerly of the circus world, now has his own pit show with Johnny J. Jones.
The Aerial Cowdens have signed with the Walter L. Main Show, their third season with the show. They have been doing a double trapeze act in vaudeville this winter.
Sid Kridello, comedy wire performer and owner of Prince, the dog with the human brain, has signed with Christy Bros. R. R. Shows. Kridello will also clown.
The Walter Main Society Circus, which was with the Ben Krause Carnival and finished the regular season of 1919, is now in Geneva, O., and is booked with one of the big circuses this season.
Frank Wright, press agent, with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show last season, is holding down an editorial position with The Kansas City Post. He will be back with H.-W. in the spring.
The Howe's Great London Shows will exhibit its share of elephant features this season. In the herd will be shown King George, one of the tallest elephants, and Lady Astor, one of the smallest.
Jack Nedulman, boss hostler, and a number of workingmen have arrived at the quarters of the Robert W. Buller Trained Animal Shows at Friday Harbor, Wash. Midway Bert has arrived and will be chief mechanic this season.
Lew Hershey writes that he had expected to be with one of the big shows this season, but has decided to stay with Martin's Footlight Girls Company. He is still doing the old frog act.
Musical director James will have a fifteen piece band with the Christy Bros. show this season. There will be no parade, but instead Mr. Christy has engaged a big free act to perform twice daily. Mike Zelda will perform the feat of shooting the death flume balanced on his head on a roller skate.
Fred L. Shaffer, well known in circus circles as wardrobe superintendent and boss property man, last with John Robinson Shows two years ago. Still connected with the American Railway Express Co., and residing in Covington, Ky. Mrs. Shaffer, wild west rider, who has been ill, is almost recovered.
Christy Bros. Greater Wild Animal Shows has been augmented by the acquisition of new acts and features. Prof. James will have a band of fifteen pieces. Instead of a parade there will be a free act, twice daily. Mike Zeldo will perform the feat of sliding down a chute fifty feet in height, while balanced on his head on a roller skate. The show will cover a great deal of territory this season, which will be of forty weeks' duration. There will be three rings in the big show. Two pit shows and a side show will be carried. The entire show will be lighted by electricity and a search light will be used to show up the free act at night. There will be ten cages of animals in addition to the elephant, zebras, menagerie, horses and baggage stock.
Executive staff: G. W. Christy, mgr.; Mrs. G. W. Christy, treasurer; Sam Bennett, equestrian director; Joe Quinlan, general superintendnet; Runt McNey, superintendent of transportation; Glen Tyler, animals; Pat Miles, chief electrician; Charles Snyder, boss of props; Chas. Nelson, producing clown; Red Sheldon, privileges; Jake Friedman, in charge of side show and oriental department, with three dancers, LaBelle Sultana, Lottie Brell and Lucile Hoey.
Lee Smith, clown, will assist Nelson in producing the clown numbers. Uncle Ott, Doebeck adn Kridello are in the clown contingent. Some of the performers already in winter quarters (Galveston, Tex.) are Mike Zeldo, head and hand balancing, also perch; Doebeck, comedy juggler; Sid Kridello, wire act and dogs; Mrs. James, iron jaw, perch and menage; Jerry Martin, trapeze, contortion and perch; George Bink, bicycle, wire and trapeze and juggling; Vernon's dog act; Miss Dickey, ladders, iron jaw and menage, and Madame Pearl and her mixed group of performing wild animals. - Sid Kridello
Amazon Bros. All Motorized Shows will open on or about May 1 near Columbus, O. Manager LaPlace has been busy this winter organizing for the Loyal Order of the Golden Hearts of the World, but at present is getting things in readiness for the coming season. Most of the people have been engaged. Mr. LaPlace recently received a telegram that his father, 76 years old, had died at Grand Rapids, Mich., but the message came too late for hime to reach that city before the funeral.
North Little Rock, Ark., will be the opening stand for the Col. George W. Hall Trained Animal Shows on or about the last of March, under the Elks. Tom Ward, pit show manager, is on the ground looking after his end. George Irving will be side show manager. Frank Hall is breaking in a new pony act, while Ella Hall is working the dogs and monkeys. Emery Stiles is breaking in a new elephant act. Manager Willis Campbell, who is on a business trip, will return shorty with a new all-steel eighty-two foot baggage car. The Hall show will be one of the best two-car circuses on the road this season. Clarence Auskings, general agent, reports everything is going along nicely. Milton W. Jehu will be brigade agent, and Jack Hendrickson will be on the advance.
Macon, Ga., March 18. The new advance car of the Sparks Show, which has been rebuilt at the shops of the M. D. & S. R. R. here, is now ready for the road. The car from the trucks up is all new and fitted with every convenience for the sixteen men who will make it their home during the approaching season. The show's painters have done an excellent job on this car. The body of the car is orange with light green letter belt and the windows are trimmed the same. The lettering is in gold and silver leaf with two colored shading and the roof is finished in dark red. A past room and boiler occupy twenty feet of space. In the center is a commodious bill room with lockers and lithographing tables. There are sixteen Pullman berths for the men and wash rooms a lavatories in each end. The car is also fitted with a lighting plant. Car manager James Randolph has a commodious stateroom. Harry Reed has been superintending the job.
J. Wilson Cliffee, trombone soloist with Jack Phillips, is spending a few weeks at Stamford, Conn., convalescing from bronchial pneumonia. He expects to be in Macon shortly ready for the opening. Bob Denmead, Charlie Searls and "Doc" Walker, the "big three," are in Columbia, S. C., working novelties and planning for the coming season. Bob will not be with it as usual, but will work a magazine proposition instead. Java Kohan is in Macon, and with the rest of the bosses living at the Dempsey. Jr. Java is now a real estate owner at Havre de Grace, Md. Harry Mick is going to flash a wardrobe on the track this season that will attract envious glaces from the fair sex. Mrs. Carlor Coreon has been busy on the creationg for several weeks and Harry will wear everything new from slippers to the latest in fashionable millinery. "Pinkie" Hollis and wife are riding daily in the ring barn. Mrs. Hollis is now turning somersaults like a veteran and Pinkie thiks nothing of doing three at a time.
The following have signed with the Walter L. Main Shows: W. L. Marshall, boss light man; Larry A. Martin, superintendent of canvas; Clark Smith, boss hostler; Whitey Warren, train manager; James Maloy, assistant train manager, and Joe B. Webb, who will furnish the Wild West.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert McGee, who have been making their home in Kansas City, Mo. during the winter, left for Peru, Ind., to join the Howe's Great London Shows. These well-known circus people, late of the Yankee Robinson Shows, will do horse training, riding menage, races and working the elephants with the Howe Show.
Chicago, March 13. The management of the Hagenbeck-Wallace, John Robinson and Howe's Great London Shows, have engaged Garetson-Smith, Chicago publicity experts, to write all of the advertising copy for the three shows for the coming season.
Capt. Jim Moore's Circus is touring Florida to good business. The show is managed by Roy Leach and routed by the Captain himself, who is a native of Florida. Delundry has the side show and Harry Johnson the pit show. Guthrie, of the Three Guthries, is equestrian director; Jew Eddie Bischoff is treasurer; Ed Collins, general superintendent. Frank Kelson has his troup of ponies, dogs, goat and monkeys on the show. Tommy Martin has the band. The advance is handled by Frank Karsy. Capt. Moore's Carnival is in winter quarters at Tampa.
Norfolk, Va., March 11. John Agee's All-Star Circus closed a successful engagement of one week at the Norfolk City Armory Saturday night, March 6, having played to a collective audience of nearly 20,000 in the twelve performances given. The circus was brought here from Richmond by the Norfolk Ladies' Auxiliary of the Navy Relief Society, and the sale of tickets was directed by Mrs. G. H. Burrage, wife of Rear Admiral Burrage, commander of the navy yard at Portsmouth. The show was led by John R. Agee, equestrian director of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Combined Circus, and Merle Evans, bandmaster of the same organization.
Billboard, March 27, 1920, pp. 58, 59, 60, 92, 93. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Chicago, March 20. The newest circus to take the road this season will be the Rice, Cooper & O'Brien Shows, United. Messrs. Heidershal and Norris, bankers and live stock men, of Wisconsin, are the owners. The show is now being put together and will open in Freeport, Ill., April 17. The property is new throughout. Many oldtimers have been engaged. Col. J. L. Fehr, thirty-eight years in the business, will be general agent and has routed territory that has always brought results. Messrs. Heidershal and Norris will be represented by their sons, Louis G. Heidershal and Clinton M. Norris Jr.
North Little Rock, Ark., March 20. The title of the Col. George W. Hall Shows has been changed to Campbell Bros. Trained Animal Shows. General manager William Campbell has gone East to purchase some cars. The show this season will travel in five cars. Clarence Auskings, general contracting agent, and C. A. Campbell, general agent, are now in the Far West in the interests of the show. Milton E. Jehu will be brigade agent, with five billposters. The show will open here April 3. On Monday a camel was born with two humps.
Peru, Ind., March 20. Charley (Pop) Sweeney, the veteran equestrian director, who has been the custodian at the Elks' home for the past five years, will troupe again this season. He will be equestrian director for the Howe's Great London Shows. Mr. Sweeney is one of the oldest showmen in the country. He was with B. E. Wallace for twenty-seven years, consecutively, beginning in 1884. He was also connected with the John Robinson Circus and the Yankee Robinson Shows. Mr. Sweeney will be accompanied with the circus by his wife, Winney Sweeney, who will do riding and aerial acts. Fred Ledgett will again be the equestrian director with the John Robinson Circus, and George Conners again equestrian director with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows. Don Montgomery will have the band on the John Robinson Circus, succeeding Dick Master, who will be with the H.-W. Shows. Reports have it that Charles Bronson may sign up as bandmaster of the Howe's Shows. Bandmaster Montgomery will be accompanied with the show by his wife, Irene Montgomery, who will have several aerial and riding acts with the show. Dan Odum, an old circus man, formerly with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, will have the management of the Howe's Show. Si Young will be the superintendent of canvas of the John Robinson Shows.
Paul W. Harrell, general advance agent for the Sells-Floto Circus, stated that all advertising cars of the Sells-Floto Showwill be lighted with the Delco Lighting System, and renovated. The billing for the show started March 22. Wm. Backle [Backie?] will have charge of the No. 1 car. He has been connected with Mr. Harrell for the past eight years.
New York, March 19. The Five Wartons and the Martinez Family, both English turns, have been booked by Frank Wirth for the Wirth Bros. Shows in Australia. On account of difficulties confronting acts that would travel to the Antipodes via England, Mr. Wirth informed The Billboard that his people are compelled to make the Australian trip through the United States.
New York, March 20. The Otagawa Jap Troupe has been signed up for the Sells-Floto Shows. There are five members in the troupe.
C. W. Sells will be in clown alley with the Sells-Floto Circus.
S. Steinhauser will have the props on the Yankee Robinson Show. He is at present in Peoria, Ill.
John Dusch, circus band leader, will have the band on the Howe's Great London Shows this season.
Eddie James, chief cook of the Gentry Bros. Show for the past four seasons, has signed with the Great Sanger Circus as chef.
Whistling Joe Frost, formerly of the 101 Ranch and John Robinson Shows, will be with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows.
Harry Benson, formerly of the LaTena Show, has charge of the sleeping cars with the Johnny J. Jones Exposition.
Jim Caskey, boss canvasman, who has not trouped for the past two seasons, joined the Al G. Barnes Circus at Los Angeles.
Wilson Ross, last season with the Sparks Circus, will hold down a candy butcher's bert with the Walter L. Main Show this season.
The Miller Brothers, acrobats and aerialists, the past season with the M. L. Clark & Sons Shows, will be with the Col. George W. Hall Shows this season.
Henry Schmidt, formerly with Sun Bros. Shows, 101 Ranch Wild West and Gentry Bros. Shows, was married recently to Mary Price, of Wilmington, Ohio.
The Parentos, acrobats and contortionists, will join Cole Bros. Circus for the season.
Sam Freed writes that business is good at the Grand Theater, Scotia, N. Y. Sam says this will be the first time in seven years that he will not be with the white tops.
The Escalante Bros. Shows, in Mexico, are playing to good business. On March 5 Al G. Barnes Circus showed Calexico, Cal., and acquaintance were renewd by the troupers of both shows.
Al (Circus) Greene has left his home in Connecticut to join the Sparks Show at Macon, Ga. Mr. Greene will be advertising man and ring announcer, positions he has held with Sparks for several seasons.
Hook Cross, boss property man on the Sparks Show, and Bushy Miller and wife, will be on the Sparks Show this season.
George Wells and Josephine Kosek were married in Glencoe, Minn., March 14. Wells has been with the Sparks and the Yankee Robinson Shows.
Jimmy Brooks, aerialist and wire performer, and his wife, billed as the Little French girl, original cartoonist, will be one of the features with Atterbury's Trained Wild Animal Show this season.
Jack Wilson, of Kent, N. Y., special agent for the Walter L. Main Circus, was married to Lalla Stacks, of Dallas, Tex., musical comedy star, last fall in North Carolina. Wilson has signed as banner ad solicitor with the Main Show, his third year with Mr. Downie.
Gilbert M. Eldred, bareback rider, formerly with Ringling Bros. Circus, is now with Sullivan & Slauson, in the magazine and cigar department, Utica, N. Y. Mr. Eldred spent fourteen years in the Orient. He has a brother there in the show business.
Mrs. Martin, of the Two Martins, aerial equilibrists, who will be with the Sells-Floto Circus, was taken ill recently. It is feared that she will be unable to work during rehearsals for awhile, but Mr. Martin is capable of working the act single.
The Four Ortons will not be identified with any circus this season, having decided to remain in vaudeville.
A. E. Webber, known as "Shanty," and wife will again take charge of the lighting department of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. He will also have the "Barber Shop de-Webber" as a side proposition again. Mrs. Webber will remain at home in Cincinnati.
Floyd C. Hill, known as Sandy Brock, of Brock Bros. on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus seasons 1914-15-16-17, is now with Sully, Rogers & Sully, comedy trampoline bar act over Keith Time. Sandy will not be under the white tops this season.
Florence Siegrist, for the past eight years with the Barnum & Bailey Show, obtained a divorce from C. W. Foster January 20, also the right to her maiden man, Florence Warren. She is now in vaudeville.
Quenemo, Kansas, March 19. The winter quarters of the Lucky Bill Circus is a beehive of activity. All the wagons are now receiving the finishing touches in the hands of Emil A. Arp, who has charge of the painting department. Mr. Arp is assisted by Larry Ingledew, formerly of Arp's Great American Show. H. E. (Buffalo) Schroeder, also an oldtimer from the Great Americna, is on the Lucky Bill Show. Jack Riddle has the concessions. Mr. Arp will have charge of the side show. W. J. Nelson will put on the Wild West. The show will open here April 3 and tour the Southwest.
Complete roster of the No. 1 advertising car of the Al G. Barnes Circus: W. J. Erickerson, car manager; Jack Glines, special agent; Geo. Murray, boss billposter, assisted by Tom Bagan, Frank Bagan, Walter Kemp, Ted Nichols, Clarence Ames, Charlie Patchen; banners, Fay Justus, assisted by D. Malone; lithos, James O'Leary, assisted by Henry A. Kober; Jack Ross, porter and paste maker, and Henry A. Kober, steward.
Pearl Price, for years a rider and member of the ballet with Ringling Bros. Circus, died in Lakeside Hospital, Chicago, March 14, of Bright's disease. Miss Price was about 35 years old and had been ill six weeks. The body was taken to Michigan City, Ind., for interment. Miss Price is survived by her mother, who lives in Chicago.
Neville A. Reed, formerly with the Buffalo Bill and the 101 Ranch Shows, and Ethel Miller, known in the profession as Miss Starr, were married in Chattanooga, Tenn., February 28.
Billboard, April 3, 1920, pp. 38, 56, 57, 58, 90, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
W. B. Burroughs, of the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey side show, and Tina Alexander, senior member of the firm of Antina Co., New York, were married at the home of the bride's niece, Mrs. Lillian Leitzel Ingalls, in New York, March 10.
The M. L. Clark & Sons' Show has been in Florida all winter. Only three days have been lost this winter. Lee Clark has managed the show successfully since the Colonel (M. L. Clark) has gone to his ranch near Alexandria, La. The Colonel and Madam Clark are expected to join shortly. Fred Leslie is making them laugh. Prof. Fowler has a good band, which leads the parade. The show also uses a calliope and big organ in the parade.
Christy Bros. Greater United Shows opened the season at Rosenberg, Texas, March 6. With the show are George Nelson, producing clown; Uncle Ott and his canine; George Bink's wire act; Mrs. James, in a feature act; Joe Doebeck, tramp juggler; Vernon's dogs; Jerry ___; Prince, the dog with a human brain; Mike Zelso and Lee Smith.
Ada, Ok., March 24. The management of the Honest Bill Show intends having one of the finest overland shows on the road this season. Al Langdon, elephant trainer, from the Hall quarters at Lancaster, Mo., has been here working the elephants and has them in fine shape. The show will carry a jazz orchestra. With the show will be the following: Honest Bill, sole owner and manager; Mrs. Newton, secretary and treasurer; J. H. Blair, advance; M. Morgan, equestrian director; Clyde Newton, pony boss; Harry Maize, boss of properties; Arthur Ablis, chief electrician; C. Blowing, cook house; W. C. Hart, boss hostler; Peewee Stphens, musical director; Col. Knowlton, producing clown; Jim Kincaid, clown; W. H. Whitclark, single rings and head balancer; Laterous Family, tumblers and double trapeze; Mrs. Knowlton, wire and iron jaw; Blyth Family, revolving ladder; Jim McCabe, bounding wire; Fat Rowe, side show; R. I. Black, concession manager; E. C. Grasselli, O. F. Owens, Mutt Cline, Willie Woodruff and Joe Blair, musicians. The show opens here March 26 for two days, and will play Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma territory. The outfit will travel in thirty wagons.
Everything around the James B. O'Neill Shows is in readiness for the opening, April 29 at Carlyle, Ill., where the show is wintering. While the show is only a small one and will travel by wagon, Mr. O'Neill and his old gymnast partner, Rance Janelle, who rejoined him a year ago, have been putting in a great deal of time this winter framing a neat little outfit. One of the novelties, as well as a feature act, will be a troupe of registered English coach and Russian wolfhound dogs.
Doc Childress, legal adjuster, who was compelled on account of sickness to close with Christy Bros. Shows and enter a sanitorium at San Antonio, Tex., died there March __. The remains were shipped from San Antonio to Indianapolis, Ind., for burial. Mr. Childress was with the Christy Show but a short time.
Victor Lee has severed his connection with the Howe's Great London Shows as side show manager. Other business relations are given as the cause.
Canton, O., March 26. Stephen (Hook) Cross, boss property man with the Sparks Circus, will leave Canton next week for Macon, Ga., where he will join the show preparatory to the start of its annual tour. Cross has served in the capacity of boss property man with this show for the past four years. Walter Miller and wife, acrobats, with the same show, and also of this city, will leave to join the same show. They were with the Sparks show last season.
Martinho Lowande Jr. Circus opened at San Juan, Porto Rico, at $2 "top" price, American money.
After a year in France, J. O. Clark, known as Snowball Clark, has returned to this country. Is it to be clown alley this season?
Roy Argenbright, comic jester, will be with the Howe Show. Roy was producing clown with Col. George W. Hall Shows the past season.
Jerry D. Martin, aerialist and contortionist, writes that he will not be with the Christy Bros. Shows as announced in a recent issue of The Billboard.
Frank M. Swan, agent, has signed with Gentry Bros. Shows and will handle the press. The show opens at Houston, April 5.
Ethel Mariene Hamilton, after closing with the Yankee Robinson Circus, is now busily engaged in getting her aerial iron jaw specialty ready with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
E. E. Myhre, owner and manager of Mhyre's Motor Shows, was at the quarters of the H. R. J. Miller Circus at Wilton, Wis., and while there purchased Little Marie, one of Miller's trick ponies. Mr. Miller states that his circus will open May 10 at Kendall, Wis.
H. C. Willard, oldtime press agent, front door man and outside ticket agent, who for many years was with the old Sells Bros. Show, Gentry Bros., Andrew Downie's "dog and pony opera," also the LaTena Show, writes that he has signed contracts with the Howe Show as press agent back with the show.
Among the recent visitors at the Walter L. Main quarters were Horace Laird, clown, and L. C. Culpepper, of Jonesboro, La. Laird will again be found in clown alley on the Main Show, and with him will be his old friend, Peanuts, the Royal Goose.
The No. 2 car of the Rhoda Royal Show has every convenience of a modern home, writes P. N. Branson, car manager. On the car are Ed Robey, brigade agent; D. Evans, boss billposter; E. C. Vetro, lithographer; Frank Wateridge, assistant; Sam Gramling, R. H. Johnston, Art Ray, Pete Culberson, Lowery Jennings, Ray Purcell and Louis Baden, billposters; Thomas Pittman, paste-maker; Rex McNeal, programmer, and John Wood, chef.
Lowery Bros. Circus. Mel Thompson has again signed with the Lowery Bros. Circus as equestrian director and will open with the show May 10 at Shenandoah, Pa. Mel's swinging wire act will again be featured. Among other old people who will be back with the show are the Miller family of five, doing aerial acts, and the LaBards, aerialists. Among the new acts will be Williams, novelty performer and Tom Willard, in his giant swing. Manager George B. Lowery has also signed Merrimore, the lyric tenor as a special feature singer, to work during intermissions. "Col" Mame Loftis, known as "Fllicker Road," will again have the cookhouse, and Joe Williams the canvas, with Jerry Smith on seats and lights, and John Monroe, boss property man. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lowery are looking forward to a profitable season. The show will carry an eight piece band. The big top will be a 70 with two thirties. The show will move on auto trucks.
Denver, Colo., March 27. J. A. Burkhart joined the Sells-Floto advertising car with Mr. Kimbrough, Jack Gardner, H. J. Farquer, Fred Osborne and George A. Smith.
New York, March 26. This is the first time in five years that Jay Kogan, clown with the Ringling Circus, hasn't clowned with this show. He's married and he didn't marry a professional. That is the cause of his desire to quit the sawdust.
Roster of Prof. Gay Jesperson's Concert Band, with H. W. Campbell's United Shows: Prof. Jesperson, director; J. Griffin, Wm. Bache, J. McCollom, E. Snyder, cornets; H. Carrol, Fred Haywood, Oliver Bloom, H. VanOrman, Bert Slick, clarinets; Chas. Smith, James Amos, Frank Hill, altos; Franklin Higgins, Hal Burwell, Fred Bates, E. A. Gulf, trombones; Forest Watson, Carl Williams, baritones; Al Cripps, E-flat bass; C. H. Jesperson, BB bass; Jack Stout, Sam Franks, small drums; Dale Dugan, H. R. Weideman, bass drums; Chas. Smith, calliope.
Eugene P. Beaugrand, well-known circus and outdoor showman, died at his home in Racine, Wis., last week at the age of 61. During his professional career he was associated with Walter DeHaven Circus, Barnum Circus and Wallace Circus. His wife and three children survive him.
Billboard, April 10, 1920, p. 38, 56, 57, 59, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Ed. Fitzpatrick, concessionaire and publicity agent, and Frances Higgins, non-professional, were married two weeks ago in Bridgeport, Conn. They will be connected with the John Robinson Circus this season.
The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus will open the season at Vincennes, Ind., April 22. The big top will be pitched on the part of the Vincennes fair grounds once used for the baseball park. The circus will show at Evansville April 23, then go into Kentucky for a week.
Reading, Mass., April 3. All the wagons and trucks of the Oscar Lowande American Shows have had their final touching up. Louis Veret and Speck Gerdon are the new arrivals at quarters. Mr. Veret will handle the pit show, and Mr. Gerdon the privilege department. The ponies, dogs, monkeys and mules are put through their daily routine by the new trainer, Harry Clay. The ring stock has been increased by the purchase of a pair of grays. Mrs. Lowande is personally overseeing the work on all the wardrobe. The show will tour the New England States.
Myhre's Motor Circus is nearly ready for the road. George A. Houlan has signed to take over clown alley and do his contortion and comedy acrobatic acts. A. J. Duffy has closed his repertoire show in Illinois and will be in winter quarters to help put on the finishing touches.
Emmet Kirgen, former billposter with the Ringling, Barnum, John Robinson and other circuses, was last week made chief of detectives of Cincinnati, succeeding William Love. Mr. Kirgen in circus circles was better known as "Slim" Kirgen. For the past two years he was night chief of police of Cincinnati.
Fred Salmon, clown and concert performer, has joined Rice Bros. Shows.
Ray Smith (Circus Ray) will be with the Walter L. Main Shows as unafon player in the side show.
Tim Carey has left the Savoy Cafe at Nashville, Tenn., to take charge of the cookhouse on Gentry Bros. Show.
Claude J. Kutz, last season with the Walter L. Main Show, has signed to play in the band on the John Robinson Circus this year.
George K. Ringling and his wife join the Sparks Show. George will sell tickets.
Bill Kirby, who recently married a member of the famous LeGroh Family of acrobats, has been appointed assistant treasurer of the Sells-Floto Circus.
Bobby Gossans, the minstrel clown, at present with Neil O'Brien's Minstrels, will be with the Howe Show in clown alley.
Sid Kridello, comedy wire equilibrist, and Prince, the dog with the human brain, are now with Cole Bros. Show.
Homer Hall, bannerman, will go out with the Ringling-Barnum Show this season. Next fall Mr. Hall will put out a vaudeville act.
The following musicians will be with John L. Dusch, who will have the band on the Howe Show: Walter R. Cook, E. H. Beel, C. E. McKenney, Jim Carroll, Leon Daughters, Peter L. Dusch, Joe Bauer and Fay Lemon.
The cookhouse bunch on the Sells-Floto Show includes Levi Deyer, chef; Spider Green, assistant; Mitt Carl, head waiter; Al Curtis, assistant steward; Louis (Kelly) Messing, Jim McCarthy, Doc Halley, Al Nirth and Branch, waiters.
Ed Fitzpatrick, with the John Robinson circus, writes that he was married recently to Frances Higgins, non-professional, and that his wife will troupe with him this season.
The Aerial Silverlakes will not be with any circus this summer, deciding to remain in vaudeville. They have a fast trapeze act.
Charlie Bearden, known as Wild Bill Erwin on the Ringling, Barnum and Keystone Exposition Shows, was married March 12 to May Morris, a diver at the New York Hippodrome. Bill has foresaken the white tops, holding a position with Charles Chrisdle Theatrical Costume Co., in New York.
F. G. Barker, advertising agent at His Majesty Theater, Montreal, was formerly connected with the advance forces of the Ringling Bros. and other circuses.
J. L. Williamson, who was with Welsh Bros. Shows and others for more than twenty seasons, as head waiter or steward, and who served in the World War, has returned to this country. He served five years in the British Royal Navy and was wounded seven times during the Jutland battle, May 31, 1916, when the ship that he was on, the H. M. S. Shark, was blown up. Williamson is past fifty years of age and too old to join the American Navy.
Business at Los Angeles broke all past records for the Al G. Barnes Circus. Alice in Jungleland is the spectacle for the season, rewritten and produced under the watchful eye of the "Governor." Martha Florine give an excellent interpretation of Little Alice, assisted by Miss LeClaire and Mr. ___. A ballet of forty girls interpret the dances of the jungle. More than five hundred people, horses and animals appear in the spectacle. Robert Thornton, equestrian director has the performance up to the minute in snap and ginger. Austin King, producing clown, assisted by twenty funmakers, offers new ideas in clown alley. Bones Hartzell is a new member, Kinko, Bert Leo, Al Crooks, Bill Tate, Marco and Cotton are there also. Charles Berry, Allen Houser and Joe Miller are winning applause. Captain Ricardo, veteran animal trainer, is again in harness. This year the Captain presents twenty of the jungle's specimens in one act. Curley Phillips has a pid act. Grace Marvel and Mabel Gardner are again presenting new acts. Nita Buchanan comes in for her share of praise. Cheerful Gardner has been breaking two herds of elephants in quarters. Martha Florine has added five more lions to her group. Mabel Stark is offering twelve tigers in one act. This is one of the greatest offerings of Royal Benagl, Siberian and Sumatro tigers ever assembled.
Bobby Fountain is manager of the two side shows. John Foyler is his manager on the No. 2 side show. In side show No. 1 are Paul Des Muke, armless wonder; Wattie, Arizona giant; Flosso, boy wonder, who is also inside lecturer for Mr. Fountain; Sunshine (Mrs. Bobby Fountain), with the smile; Carson adn Campbell, battle axe and knife throwers, also expert rifle shots; Prince Small, perfect formed tiny man; Carmelita, long-haired lady; Senorita Dolores, snake charmer; Maria Lopex, fat lady; Skinney, skeleton dude; Elizabeth Truck's Albino Georgia Minstrels; fifteen piece band, and a congress of dancing girls. Side show No. 2 has Grace Gilbert, freak; Mabel, with a den of reptiles; Prince Wahah, Australian boomerang thrower; Col. Ludwig, Coco and Cocoita, monkey man and woman; Pino, human pin cushion, and Princess Mabel with her birds. George Davis is superintendent of the entire show. - Rex De Rosselli
Freeport, Ill., April 2. There is much activity at the quarters of the Rice, Cooper & O'Brien Shows United. Col. John L. Fehr has returned from Chicago and Louisville, where he purchased a great deal of new property. Frank Saul has been engaged as contracting agent. Frank Burch is manager of the brigade. The candy stand and novelty privileges will be under the supervision of Jerome T. Harriman. Alex Lowande will be equestrian director and manager of the side show and pit show.
Gibson Norris and Leaf's Combined Shows, James Fleming, proprietor, are getting ready to open in the coal fields of Pennsylvania. This show has been on the road for the past twenty years. The same lots are played each year. The show will carry six canvasmen, a twelve piece band, six wagons and the people will eat and sleep on the lot. Mr. Leaf will have charge of the stage and circus acts, while Mr. Norris will take care of tickets and the men. Chief Love Deer will be in charge of the Indians. Shorty Williams will be boss canvasman.
Frank E. Heckord, brother of the late Robert Heckord, died at his home in Winston-Salem, N. C., March 23. He was formerly with the Van Amburg Show and John Robinson Circus, but has been retired for many years.
Lena Neilson, known to the circus and carnival world as Tanta Sanders, died in Los Angeles, March 2. Her husband, Robert Neilson, and a young son survive her.
Billboard, April 17, 1920, pp. 58, 59. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Northville, N. Y., April 10. Everyone is busy at the winter quarters of John R. Van Arnam's Circus at Northville. Billy Brown is in the ring barn with the ponies and dogs. Charlie Windslow is assisting him. Eddie Whitham has the five new cages painted and is now working on the new band wagon. The following performers have signed for the season: Chick Varnell, the Georges, Wilbur LaZella Fred DeArto, LeRoy Williams, Eddie and Harold Whitham, and the Crisp Family. Jimy Ryan arrived her last week with Blackie Maynard, who will be his assistant. Harry Hamlin is also here and will have charge of the baggage stock. Mr. and Mrs. Willaim Whitham will have charge of the cookhouse, with Arthur Ashley [Asbley?] as assistant. Charles Valentine, band leader, has purchased a complete line of new music. The opening date is set for May 2.
Advertisin car No. 1 of the Sells-Floto Circus has a newly installed electric light system, also shower baths. Roster of the car: P. L. (Bill) Backell, manager; Edward Deck, press agent; Fred Stewart, boss billposter; Joe Leonard, Ralph Guy, Dick Simpson, Fred Merrill, Pat McChane, Ham DeHotel, Dock Camp, William Buckman, Roland Douglas, Jack Gardner, J. V. Guilluame, George Hanes Fred Osborne, Fred Burkhardt and Burt Hudd, billposter; G. C. Hendricks, boss lithographers; E. J. Hamilton, Harry Cawley, Thomas Bryden and Zeck Edwards, lithographers; George E. Orr, chef; H. Moyer, waiter; Indian Jbonhonne, paste maker.
Chicago, April 8. The combination circus and carnival of Heuman Bros. will be watched with interest by other carnival men generally. This attraction will open April 27, in Hammond, Ind., with twelve cars. The show was organized last year. A one-ring circus will give a straight one-hour performance before the opening of the carnival proper. W. F. Heuman is general manager, Frank Heuman general agent, and a band, the Red Devils, will be carried. Thirty-five concessions have been signed up.
According to a clipping from The New York Evening Sun, Alec Jacobson, 76 years old, veteran clown, who had been traveling with shows exhibiting his trained goose, "Nettie," has been placed in the care of a wealthy niece in New York City by the Poughkeepsie (N. Y.) Bureau of Associated Charities, to which he applied for aid. Misfortune and continued illness, it is said, necessitated selling the goose, although it almost broke his heart.
Capt. William Scott, one of the best cat animal trainers and workers will be with the John Robinson Circus as assistant to side show manager McFarland. He will also work the lion acts. Capt. Scott was with the Lowande Circus in South America. Last season Scott was with Johnny J. Jones.
James A. Muldoon, old showman residing at Eastport, Me., is now the city billposter. Muldoon was a song and dance artist, advance agent and manager.
Roster of Sparks advertising car No. 1: James Randolph, in charge; Frank Ballenger, special agent; Fred Bowers, boss billposter; Jesse Bowcock, Pat Gaynor, Charles North, Harry Belle Isle, Harry Bead, Mose Powers, Harry Ewing, billposters; Charles Hardy in charge of lithos; Fred Curry, in charge of banners; Harry Reagler, steward; Eddie Jackson; press representative.
E. E. Staats and Roe Staats, who owned an managed the Staats Bros. Dog and Pony Shows a few years ago, will take to the road this season in May, opening in Newark, N. J., winter quarters of the show. They will take out a picture and vaudeville show under canvas.
Chicago, April 10. W. H. Curtis, superintendent of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, was a Billboard caller. Both he and Mrs. Curtis have entirely recovered from the injuries they suffered in the Hagenbeck-Wallace wreck horror two years ago. Mrs. Brown, a sister of Mrs. Curtis, also injured in the came catastrophe, is still ailing from her experience.
The roster of the Sells-Floto No. 3 car is: Willard D. Coxey, general press agent; Harry J. Farquhar, car manager; G. A. Smith, secretary; Frank Spurrer, boss billposter, assisted by Ross Hanum, George Edmunds, Roy Salser, J. Smithee, Herbert Kimbrough; Carl Ahlgren, in charge of lithographs, assisted by Glenn R. Edwards; Dan M. Spayd, chef; Bruce Emerson, paste-maker; W. T. Waters porter; Harry Howard, route rider.
John Robinson's Circus will be in Cincinnati, April 25, direct from winter quarters in Peru, Ind., and will exhibit on the Comminsville circus grounds Monday, April 26, and in Norwood, April 27. William Roddy, in charge of the number one advance car, was in Cincinnati last week with a crew of thirty billers. F. C. Cooper is story man for the show and J. P. Cronin, formerly managing editor of The Meridian (Miss.) Dispatch, is doing the newspaper contracting. Arthur Hopper is general agent of the show.
R. S. Bigsby, for the past two seasons general superintendent of the Al G. Barnes Circus, has been engaged by Walter K. Sibley for the head of the mechanical department of "Sibley's Show Service."
Ray O'Wesney and wife, after twenty-five years in the show business have retired from the field and are at their home in Pablo Beach, Florida.
Billboard, April 24, 1920, pp. 40, 58, 59, 60. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Harry L. Farquhar, manager of Sells-Floto advance car No. 3, and Florence O'Mere, non-professional, were married April 13.
Allen Howser and Verne Vernable, both members of the Al G. Barnes Wild Animal Circus, were married at San Rafael, Cal., recently.
Alexander A. Lowande plans to take a circus to the Latin American countries in October. He figures on a 110 foot round top with two 40 foot middle pieces, 20x30 marquee, 20x30 dressing top, 3 lights, 2 stake pullers, 4 Beacon lights, 6 loading torches, Palco curtains, 40 lenghts 10 tier blues, 1,000 star backs, center, quarter and side poles. This will be shipped to the Red D. Line, Brooklyn, two weeks before the date set for sailing.
Charles (Chuck) Connors will be boss hostler with the J. J. Evans Show, out of Massillon, Ohio.
Fred L. Shafer and wife join the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Show.
Lloyd Harvey Olsen and Flo Kelley Olsen sail from New York for Jamaica, April 21, to join the Martinho Lowande Jr. Circus.
Charles A. Pheeny is contracting under Edward Arlington, for the Sells-Floto Circus. C. W. Finney is also contracting for the same show.
Sid Kridello and his canine are doing nicely with the Cole Bros. Shows. Morris and his monkey family are a big feaure.
Jack Pfeiffenberger, canvasman, left Cincinnati to take charge of the side show canvas on the Sells-Floto Show.
Prince Askasuma, human volcano or fire fiend, writes under date of April 4, from Ponce, Porto Rico: "I am suing Lowande's Circus for $5,000 for breach of contract. They hired me for a side show and let me have a privilege of selling jewelry after arriving here in this country. The show opened in San Juan. Mr. Lowande had no side show nor have I sold a stick pin."
Capt. Jack Lorenzo, having recovered from injuries received from his lions on the Keystone Shows last season, has joined the Howe Show to break a lion act.
Reading, Mass., April 17. There is a surprise in store for the chief, Oscar Lowande, on his arrival from Porto Rico about April 24. The show has been routed for the entire season. All wagons and trucks are now finished and the No. 1 advance car will leave winter quarters April 20 with five men. The No. 2 car leaves April 26, with four men. All of the paper has come from the Donaldson Lithograph Company. Great credit should be given Mrs. Lowande and her daughter, Elsea May, for the way they have handled the business of Lowande's American Shows during the chief's absence. George A. Swift will be with the show.
The Arkansas Gazette, Little Rock, Ark., in a recent issue carried a story concerning W. S. (Billy) Hart, an oldtime circus and minstrel man, who is now located in that city. Hart, now 76 years of age, was one of the original nineteen members of The Jolly Corks, organized in New York in 1867 and which toured the country. His last visit to Little Rock was in 1863 with the Stone & Murray Circus. Mr. Hart married the well-known bareback rider, Dolly Davenport, a sister of the great Johnny Davenport, star bareback rider for many years. She was killed in the ring by falling from her horse in India. Mr. Hart was in the circus business both before and after his stage experiences. He went to India some years ago to take charge of a circus operated by his father, long since dead. "Billy" Hart operated the circus successfully several years, but lost everything he had when his outfit was caught by a typhoon at Ballik-Tappen Borneo. He made his way back to America ten years ago. While in India Hart lost his wife, three daughters, three grandchildren and two sons-in-law. Hart still has his old banjo he used on the stage nearly sixty years ago.
Billboard, May 1, 1920, pp. 56, 57, 58, 59, 93. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
New York, April 22. "We're paying premier salaries, we're getting premier talent and the result is we are doing premier business," said H. H. Tammen, of the Sells-Floto Circus. "We have just signed a contract with Georges Carpentier, the French idol and heavy-weight champion." Carpentier will receive $1,000 per performance - not a day, but a performance. He will make a 70 day tour with the Sells-Floto Shows and starts May 20. He will travel luxuriously, as we have chartered the President's private car, the "Mayflower," for his personal use. The Hannafords join us on May 10, and you might add that we're going to make a dollar general admission price under canvas, with one dollar for reserved seats. We are carrying the show in 50 cars this season. Last year it was a 45 car show. . . .
Walter L. Main Shows opened April 17 in Havre de Grace. The program included Miss Webb and Miss DeMott, swinging ladders; Mr. Glynn, pony drill; the Cowdens, double trapeze; the Lorellas and Wm. DeMott, comedy acrobats (barrel jumping); the Bealls, cannon ball juggling; Horace Laird, swinging perch; Mal and Dot Bates, comedy bicycle; F. Florentine, iron jaw; Downie's elephants; Miss Marion Drew, juggling; Batsford and Fielding, roller skating; Zetto and Brown, comedy bar; Misses Cowden and Glynn, swinging ladders; the Lorellas, double rings; Perny Griggs, mule hurdle; Miss Webb and Lorentine, wire act; the DeMotts.
Andrew Downie has the following staff this season: B. G. Amsden, legal adjuster; James Heron, treasurer; Gardner Wilson, press agent; J. C. Parker, superintendent of tickets; Herman Griggs, equestrian director, with Wm. Glynn as assistant. The train this season is new. The three coaches added are specially constructed sleepers with staterooms. The side show is in charge of "Doc" Ogden. Besides the side show are Serpentina and Zulu. Jean Clark's fourteen piece band and the eighteen piece band of Prof. Charles Bachtel.
The Backman-Tinsch Shows have just completed a series of Texas border towns from Eagle Pass to Marfa, doing good business. San Angelo, Brownwood, Cisco, Eastland, and a number of towns played last season proved big. Capt. Roy Houzse and his lion act draw applause. Miss Glens, dancing girl in the lion's den, is one of the new numbers recently added by equestrian director Dennis. Prof. Charles Dennison and his troupe of trained razor back pigs are keeping the patrons in laughter. Eleanor Chenault and her trained doves open the big show programs, followed by the Aerial Clarks and McNamaras. Ray Wood, producing clown, and his trained "animule" Jargo are a scream. Toney, Chico and Little George, the comical monkey trio, never fail to please with their antics. Prof. McComb and his troupe of riding dogs, monkeys and ponies come in for applause.
Will Z. Smith is steward, assisted by chef Jose Riverra. Eugene McKenna is the latest arrival with his troupe. He brought with him his South American wonder, Za Za, and opened his attraction at Colorado, Tex., April 16, showing to over eleven hundred people on the day. Chenault and E. Howard have the privilges. George F. Donovan is general manager and legal adjuster. A. L. Tinsch and son Frank, came on at Cisco, Tex. Mr. Tinsch returned the following day to look after his interests in San Antonio. Frank will remain on the show throught the season. Band director Walker Morris and his band were one of the prominent features of the Elks' parade and entertainment at Big Springs, Tex., recently. M. A. Beede and his crew of billposters are billing heavily.
Les Zerados are with Sells-Floto.
Charles W. Holman has joined the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
Escalante Bros. Mexican Show is playing to good business in California, making week stands and changing the program every night.
Charles G. Frye, former circus man, later with C. G. Phillips and Beach & Bowers's Minstrel Show, is now assistant manager of the Allen Minstrel Show.
Bert Neal, last season with the Ringling-Barnum Show, and with the Rhoda Royal Circus in Florida last winter, now has the tickets with the Allen Minstrel Show.
Frank Stern left Evansville, Ind., to manage the No. 1 advance car with the Yank Show for his steenth [sic] season.
Rice, Cooper & O'Brien's Circus seems to be going South from Freeport, Ill., as the show is booked for Clinton, Ill., May 8. The show is being billed as "America's Booster Circus."
James B. O'Neill's Shows open the season at Carlyle, Ill., April 29. Chet Wheeler has charge of the advance. The Three Harters and Ranee Janelle, gymnast, are with the show.
Eli Bowen, Legless Wonder, has completed an engagement at the Broadway Palace of Living Curios, New York, and returned to his home in Thayer, Ind.
Norman and Myron Orton, of the Four Ortons, played the Temple Theater, Detroit, Mich., week of April __, and met many old acquaintances, including schoolmates. They were born in Detroit. Their father, Miles Orton, made that city his home for years and wintered his circus there.
Roy Barrett is clowning with the Ringling-Barnum Show. Roy has all new wardrobe this season. Tom Hibbert is still working with him. Mrs. Barrett will not troupe this season, and went back to their home in Fall River, Mass.
Roster of Earl's Greater European Shows: Earl R. Johnson, manager; C. K. Johnson, secretary and treasurer; H. L. Crawford, general agent; James Flaherty, legal adjuster; Wm. F. George, manager side show; M. C. Whitney, bandmaster; Mont Wakelee, equestrian director; Blackie King, superintendent. The show opened at Verona, Pa., April 24, and is traveling in five wagons, with one in advance.
Connected with the advance of the Great Sanger Circus are Jimmy Sullivan, special agents; Ed Leies, boss billposter, and the following billers: W. H. Ryan, Pat Hogan and Earl Duffin.
The side show of the Lombard-Hathaway Circus, under management of J. S. Robertson, includes Natalie's cockatoo and monkey act; Amiah, ventriloquist; Misto, magic; Aga, crystal gazer; den of reptiles; Robertson's London Punch & Judy; Wahoo, Hymilian Wonder; Rise's musical novelty; Alabama Minstrels, Princess Pertina, oriental dancer, and H. K. Baseon on the ticket box.
Ralph Dannettel, former circus contractor with the Yank Show and Charlie Sparks, says he has retired from sawdust circus for awhile at least, as he now holds a traveling position with the Standard Oil (Indiana), and his territory allows him to spend the week end at his Evansville home.
Robert E. Sherwood, publisher, author and bookseller of New York, who was once a clown with P. T. Barnu, has put on the same "joey" suit he wore forty years ago and is appearing in the ring of the Barnum-Ringling Show at Madison Square Garden, and will be with the show when it takes to the road. Sherwood joined the old Barnum Circus in 1878 when he was a boy of fifteen.
Front Royal, Va., April 21. The Walter L. Main Show had a serious accident in the railroad yards here last night at 11:45 p.m. Stock cars, 19 and 30, were thrown off the track and rolled over into a deep ditch. The roofs had to be taken off the cars to release the animals. D. B. Flynn of Philadelphia was injured. Ten draft horses were killed outright, and two hippodrome horses so badly injured that one died and the other had to be killed by the sheriff after everything had been done by manager Downie to save the animal. Other cars were provided by the railway people and the show went on to Woodstock, Va., for exhibition on April 21.
R. N. Hulburd, representative of the Christy Shows, recently made a tour of the East, purchasing stock and material for the show. While in Independence, Mo, he bought the Famous Rogers menage horses, which were immediately shipped to the show. The show is doing good business. Supt. Quinlan has a fine crew, and every department is nicely organized. It is a pleasure to boast of having plenty of canvasmen after two years of labor shortage. James Condon joined at Comanche, Tex., taking the place of Doc Childress, legal adjuster, who died. - Sid
Shanty (A. E.) Webber last week completed the work for the light department on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. The big top has 30,000 candle power; menagerie, 10,000; side show, 8,000; midway, 20,000, and dressing room and Wild West end, 8,000. There is sufficient generating capacity for twice that number of lights in case of emergency. Roster of the department includes Shanty Webber, superintendent; Albert Williams, first assistant; J. H. Kalb, official repairman and wagonman; Ed Williams, big top; E. M. Wilson, side show and midway; John Gay, menagerie and dressing room. Webber has also built a new barber and tailor shop. He is the official barber, with Frank Kale on the second chair, and Abner Goode, tailor, cleaner and presser.
Harry (Kid) Hunt is one of the owners of the Rhoda Royal Circus.
The Sells-Floto Circus publicity car No. 1 is moving along. Among the roster for this year is found Fred Stewart, who joined the car at Chicago; Will Buckman, who came on at Peoria, and "Doc" Camp, who reported at Indianapolis. This trio was on the car last season.
J. J. Evans Motorized Shows are ready for opening at Massillon, O., May 1. The show will be transported by eighteen trucks and six automobiles. J. J. Evans' horse, Daniel, with the human brain, will be featured. All in all there will be twenty-two ring numbers. Brown's family band will furnish the music for the big show, while Hart's colored band will be in the side show. The big top is a ninety-foot, with two thirty-foot middles; the side show, sixty foot round top, with two twenty foot middles. There will be twenty-two ponies and two high school horses and ten head of draft horses.
The staff includes J. J. Evans, owner and general manager; Mrs. J. J. Evans, secretary-treasurer and in ticket wagon; Col. Frank W. Green, manager side show and press agent back with the show; J. J. Hart, tickets on side show; B. C. Bakey, announcer; S. Evans, reserved seats; William Goyt, reserved seat tickets; J. J. Evans, equestrian director; Whitey Simerson, boss canvasman; Connor Sweetert, boss hostler; Herbert L. Courtright, steward. On the advance are F. W. Green, general agent; Herman Miller and three assistants. The show will tour through Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia, with the intention of remaining out until Christmas.
Chicago, April 21. Charles Diamond, traveling harpist, is as well-known in vaudeville as he is in the circus world. He has twice toured Europe with Barnum & Bailey and once with the late Buffalo Bill. He and his wife, who died last year, and his daughter, Carlena, have toured all of American big time. A son, Charles, has just been discharged from the American navy. Mr. Diamond will be with Howe's Great London Show.
George Hedges Jr., for many years car manager with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, and formerly with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, is temporarily off the road and is located at his home in Fairbault, Minn. George recently came into inheritance of a 600 acre farm by the death of his mother.
Allen J. Lester, of Rosedale, O., has joined the forces of the Sells-Floto Circus bill car No. 1, having accepted the position as secretary to general advertising agent P. W. Harrell and car manager William Backell.
Russell Bros. Show will open May 20 at Sobrell, Va., carrying fourteen people and ten head of stock. L S. McDaniel has signed as general agent with his auto advance car. P. A. ___ and his troupe of ponies will be one of the features of the show. Virginia and North Carolina territory will be played.
Williard Garr, one of the clowns who closed last week with the Sells-Floto Shows, opens with the John Robinson Shows in Peru, Ind., April 24.
Roster of advertising car No. 1 of the John Robinson Circus: C. S. Roddy, car manager; Howard Rekroit, boss billposter; G. C. McGreevey, boss lithographer; J. W. Blackburn, Jos. Favareru, Al Finkle, Chas. Freudenberger, Chas. Gannon, John Hart, Jos. B. King, Frank Reed, Henry Biley, Harvey Smith, George Stodler, billposters; William Tink, bannerman; Max Fletcher, agent; Frank Mack, cook; Ray Hagerty, second cook; Hardy Harrison, porter; Chas. Freudenberger, steward.
John A. Renshaw, 22, died at Newark, N. J., April 9. He was a biller on No. 3 car of Barnum & Bailey Circus season 1918, and No. 1 car of John Robinson Circus season 1919. Previous to entering the circus business he was in the moving picture field, with Pathe, Edison and Kalem Companies, also the Central and Scenario Theaters at Roseville, N. J. At the time of his death he was in the Edison Phonograph Laboratories at West Orange, N. J. He expected to be with the Ringling Bros. Circus this season, having formed an act with Henry Jay. He is survived by his parents and two sisters. Interment was at Newark, N. J.
Ruth Sawyer, 25, well-known circus performer and wife of E. P. Sawyer, well-known circus bandman, was killed in an automobile accident at Jonesboro, Ark., April 17. Besides her husband whe his survived by one child.
Artie Silverlake, 37, formerly of The Silverlakes, comedy acrobats, and a twin brother of Archie Silverlake, of the Aerial Silverlakes, died of heart trouble in Nashville, Tenn., April 18. He retired from the profession about three years ago, and went into business at Nashville. He is survived by his father, sister, three brothers and two children. Burial was temporarily in Nashville, but the body will be removed to the family lot at St. Charles, Mich., in the near future.
Billboard, May 8, 1920, pp. 38, 56, 57, 58, 59, 93. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Slivers Johnson, clown, and Miss Virginia, both members of the John Robinson Circus, were married in Peru, Ind., April 16.
Jim Williams and Pearl Dickey, both members of Gentry Bros. Circus, were married in Monroe, La., recently.
W. H. (Pop) McFarland, manager of the side show with the John Robinson Circus this season, will celebrate his sixtieth birthday, May 26. "Pop" was born May 26, 1860, and has been managing side shows for forty-four years. During that time he has been connected with only six circuses, which speaks for itself. Never has he managed a show on salary - always percentage. The oldtimers will remember when he did magic and managed the side show with Stone & Murray's Circus in 1876. "Pop" lays claim to being the originator of the wild man and sea serpent.
The Les Legerts, head and hand balancers and staircase act, have returned from Cuba and are at their home in Newport, Ky. They were with the Grand Circo Canarias, of which Jose Borrell is owner and manager, from the time it opened, November 15, 1919, until it closed, April 14, 1920, at Esperanza, Cuba. The Grand Circo Canarias is a 12-car show, touring the island only, making one day stands. The Les Legerts are preparing to play fairs and parks this summer, and will return to Mr. Borrell's show next winter.
New York, April 30. Two new acts, the Sandwina Troupe, composed of Sandwina and four women, and a troupe from Italy, are due here next week to join the Ringling-Barnum Circus.
Toto Hammer, the "frog," is with the Sells-Floto Circus.
Fred L. Gay is going with the Sells-Floto Circus.
C. P. Farrington has joined Howe's Great London Shows as contracting agent.
Victor J. Evans, proprietor of the Victor Motorized Circus, is 50 years of age.
Arthur Whitler, tight wire equilibrist, has signed with LaMont Bros. R. R. Show.
The Ringling elephants and camels led the recent "overalls parade" in New York, and turned out to be about all there was of it.
C. E. Dearth, formerly with Sells-Floto Show, writes that he will not troupe this season. He will remain in Memphis, Tenn., during the summer.
Mrs. Mille Dick, fat woman, who was on the John Robinson Show last season, is with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus this year. She is the wife of Ray Dick.
Quiet Jack Moore is back with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus after being away from the show for five years. He still has his trio wire act, and is featuring a new trick in the center ring.
Jerome Harriman, Alfred Pinsonault, Suzuki Japanese Troupe, Laverne Trio, Bert Bradford and Harry Geesman, who were with the late Rice, Cooper & O'Brien Circus, joined the Walter L. Main Show at Rocky Mount, Va.
A. F. (Doc) Roberts is again the physician with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus this season. This makes Doc's fourth season under the Mugivan & Bowers banner. He has been wintering in Dyersburg, Tennessee.
Eddie Boyce, of Omaha is assistant agent on the Allen Minstrel Show. He had the No. 2 car on Campbell Bros. Circus and was special agent on the Sparks Circus for several seasons.
The Victor Shows, it seems, is to be a motorized show that will not depend on motors. It is to travel by rail.
J. B. McMann, formerly assistant legal adjuster with the Yankee Robinson Show, is this season adjuster with the Great Sanger Circus. He as associated with him H. Cason as superintendent of tickets, and the following assistants, Star Crowell, Eddie and Claude Jarboe.
Roy Lenhart and August Kanerva, acrobatic clowns, are a scream with Cole Bros. Show. Other acts that are going big with the show are Sid Kridello and his dog, Prince; H. L. Morris' monkey act, Owen Lewis and his animals, and Madame Morris, in her butterfly iron jaw act.
While playing Santa Ana, Cal., Rue and Laura Enos had a visit with Penney Parker and wife, formerly with Jones Bros. Show. The Parkers have settled down on a five acre farm.
The Yankee Robinson Shows were at Council Bluffs, Ia., April 24. Business at the matinee was capacity, and the side show had a big attendance, but weather conditions cut down business at night. A late arrival prevented the parade. The show made a very attractive appearance on the lot, with large American flages flying from the top of every pole. James Morse is again with the show as press agent. A large new truck was deliverd at Council Bluffs, which will greatly assist in getting the wagons to and from the lot.
The Rice, Cooper & O'Brien Booster Circus which opened at Freeport, Ill., April 17, did not get any further than Freeport, according to the Freeport Journal-Standard, dated April 26, which in part said: "Weather conditions were against them and the seats remained practically empty at the various performances given. Salaries went unpaid, bills were unsettled and reverses generally struck the aggregation. The date set for their departure from Freeport was on last Saturday night, following the night performance, but before the time arrived for departure a series of hard luck struck the concern in the form of attachments against the show's belongings, to satisfy unpaid salaries, unpaid bills of various kinds, and other expenses which had accrued since their establishment. Many of the kinfolk of Freeport allowed the show's manager to run accounts, and some of those accounts, it is said, remain unpaid. E. L. Clouse and Harry Grossman, members of the circus, had attachment writs issues, the first in the sum of $160 and the latter in the sum of $210, which they aver was due them as unpaid salaries. The writs were satisfied, and when it became known of this action, a number of local people made attempts to collect bills, but were unsuccessful. The equipment, it is stated, of the shows will not satisfy the outstanding debts." In a letter to The Billboard, sworn before a notary public at Freeport, Harry Grossman writes that he sent fifty dollars to the show as a deposit on several privileges, with the understanding that the show was of six-car size. When he arrived from New Orleans, he said, he found that the show had no cars or tents. He asked for the return of his deposit and said that it had been refused him. A number of the acts and privilege people on the show have joined the Walter L. Main Show.
Business with the Esqueda Bros. Show, according to Lee Teller, is all that was hoped for. In Santa Paula, Cal., a delegation of musicians from Los Angeles made the trip especially to hear Prof. Molina's Concert Band. In Bakersfield the local Firemen attended the performance. The show will exhibit in many California cities never visited before by any other Spanish speaking organization.
John Robinson Circus. . . . The clowning with the show includes: Mr. and Mrs. Harry LaPearl, Art Adair, Frank Stout, Bill Ash, Abe Goldstein, Toby Tyler, Major Johnson, Slivers Johnson, Ab Johnson, George Allen, Hinkle Bros., George Dayton, Buck Reger, Harry Martine, Daddy McCammon, Benny Burkhead, Fred Nelson, Grover McCabe, Three Charbino Bros., and the DeMarres.
Don Montgomery has the band this year. The members are B. T. Carsey, solo cornet; Victor Hunter and M. P. Denygris, assistant solo cornets; John Pornis, first cornet; Emil Suatosh, second cornt; Chas. Conover, solo clarinet; Henry Landis, assistant clarinet; Tom Watkins, first clarinet; Walter Mills, secon clarinet; Arthur Cox, Eb clarinet; Claude Kutz, piccolo; Tony Malone and George Augtin, baritones; Clint Williams, Albert Baker, George Meyer, altos; George Hein and Walter Miller, bass; Ingersoll Carsey, Robert Laughlin, Sam Hickey and Walter Lankford, trombones; J. L. Groat, bass drum; Ed Burridge, treaps; Dick Wakefield, air calliope; L. A. Bartlett, steam calliope.
Program. No. 1, dog and pony act in which a revolving table was used, in Ring 2 by Fred Darling and in Ring 1 by Mrs. Darling. No. 2, five elephant in Ring 1 by Chris Zeitz, while Walter McKay presented a similar act in Ring 1. No. 3, leaps and tumbling by performers and clowns, including double somersaults over elephant. No. 4, cloud swing by Ben Burkhead and Neil McCrea, and swinging ladder acts scattered throughout the big top with Rosina Nelson, Lula Gibson, Cecil Reger, Mrs. Young, Irene Montgomery, Hilda Nelson, Oneida Nelson, Theo. Nelson, Mrs. Lorette, Alma Depuy, Mrs. Lauston and Ruby Orton. No. 5, gents' principal act, Joe Hodgini in Ring 1 and Cecil Lowande in Ring 2, bareback riding. No. 6, the Patricks in Ring 1, and the Arleys in Ring 2, in a perch act. No. 7, exhibition on the wire in Ring 1 by Tetu Robinson, and in Ring 2 by Elizabeth Rooney. On the stage the three Nelson Sisters on the steel thread. No. 8, statue acts in Ring 1 and 2 and on the stage. In Ring 1 were Mrs. Martin, Lula Gibson, Mrs. Hickey, Mrs. Hall, Myrtle Hinson and Irene Marshall. Ring 2, Mrs. Seabury, the Misses Seabury (2), Mrs. Stanley, Agnes Lauston and Mrs. DeMars. On the stage, Mrs. Stout, Mrs. Loring, Mrs. Grizzle, Mrs. LaPearl, Ruby Orton and Alma DePuy. No. 9, lady principal riding act, Irene Montgomery and Mrs. Hodgini in Ring 1, Mrs. Dill and Elizabeth Rooney in Ring 2.
No. 10, five trapeze numbers included the Lorettes, the Youngs and DePuy and Marshall, double trapeze, and Nicholson and R. Martin, singles. No. 11, Chang Tai and partner in Ring 1 and Seabury and Pearl in Ring 2, juggling. On the stage Tetu Robinson, Japanese artist, globe rolling and juggling. No. 12, Nelson family of acrobats, nine in number, on the stage. No. 13, comedy riding act. Ring 1 Cecil Lowande, Mrs. Dill, Elizabeth Rooney, Grover McCabe, William Ashton and Chas. Chaplin. Ring 2 Joe Hodgini, Mrs. Hodgini, Irene Montgomery, James McCammon, John Smith and Ben Burkhead. No. 14, hand balancing by Charbino Brothers in Ring 1, Neil McCrea and William in Ring 2, and the Patricks on the stage. The Younds on the rings. No. 15, mule hurdle. Ben Burkhead in Ring 1 and Carlos Martell in Ring 2. On the stage Seabury and Pearl gave exhibition of roller skating. No. 16, menage act. Ring 1 Hilda and Oneida Nelson. Ring 2 Mrs. Dill and Alma DePuy. On the track, Irene Montgomery, Ruby Orton, Tetu Robinson, Myrtle Hinson, Mrs. Stout, Alma DePuy, Mrs. Hall and Slivers with Maude mule. No. 17, comedy acrobatic stunts by Grover McCabe, Fred Nelson and Wm. Ashton in Ring 1 and by Chas. Chaplin, Neil McCrea and Wm. Roscoe in Ring 2. On the stage the Three Charbino Brothers had a similar act. No. 18, iron jaw, Hodgini and Young in Ring 1, Reger and Lorette in Ring 2, adn Minnie Fisher in the center. Spirited hippodrome races followed, concluding the regular performance.
Side shows. The John Robinson annex top is a seventy with three thirties with freshly painted poles and stakes of the familiar "circus blue." Twelve painted double-deck banners and a twenty foot title center form the front scenic display, the bally stage and ticket boxes arranged and decorated. On the interior the platforms are artistically arranged and trimmed in bright new banners and coverings, a full proscenium in red dividing the main pavilion from the Oriental department. Notable was the absence of obnixious, or mummified exhibits, all being of live character. The following apppear in the performance: the Two Keeleys, bag punchers; Carrie Keeley, boxer; Frank, the Broom King (Frank Blasser); May Blasser, snake enchantress; Nellie B. Lane, fat lady; John Costello (Davis), impalement and flageolet; Chief Beans, Indian curios; Prof. Edward Hazzard, tattooed man and artist; Princess Carmen, dislocationist; Mlle. Margaret (Davis), sword swallower; Capt. Paul, untamable lion; Bobbie Gavin, palmist; Band and Minstrel company, Billy Patton, leader. Entertainers in the oriental department include Fay Mitchell, Gladys Stevens, Kittie Christ, Edna White and Alice Wilson. The annex is under the supervision of W. H. (Pop) McFarland. Ray Daley is lecturer, Wm. Stevens, Kelley Mitchell, Guy Steuck, ticket sellers; Judge Palmer and Joe Bailey on the door; John James (Washburn) boss canvasman; "Shorty" Gilson, assistant. Chas. LeRoy is manager of two individual pit shows: "Ox-Ana," under a 20x20 top, Jack Britt, tickets; "Miss X," using a 30x40 top.
The John Robinson Circus advance car No. 3: J. C. Admire, manager; John Cronin, press agent; Clyde Willard, boss billposter; Earl H. Hite, boss lithographer; Don Lewen, R. D. Thatcher, Jack O'Brien, Oscar Decker, R. Kridler, F. Barker, Corona Zonker, Slim George, Ed Barnett and J. Kienly, the Louisville kid, billposters; Ed Hiller and Shorty Hurst, lithographers; Marlowe, programmer; John Simpson, cook; Earnest Emanuel Winchester, porter.
W. F. (Doc) Palmer, show has had the side show with Sells-Floto Circus for four years, has made improvements in his attraction. Mr. Palmer has added a new electric light plant, a private car and an extra flat car. He is also installing an open-front side show, with pits and platforms. Among the attractions are: the Pinheads, from Zanzibar; Tina Atom, New Zealand Princess; Prince Otto, Lilliputian; Hardard Twins, bodies attached by ligaments; Kanaki, Australian bushman; Prince Ogawa, African pygmy; Alice Wade, fat girl; Kelso, Sumatran spotted lady; Mercier's tattooed family; glass blowers, Punch, magic, Rigger's band, big python, mother baboon and baby, plumage birds and other attractions. The band has a calliope as an auxiliary.
Major G. A. Gagg, former treasurer of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, dropped dead Sunday morning, May 2, at Terre Haute, Ind., of heart trouble.
Billboard, May 15, 1920, pp. 58, 59, 60, 61. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Akron, O., May 6. The first fair weather since the tented season of the Sells-Floto Circus opened greeted the show at Akron. Delayed in leaving Indianapolis because of the congestion there due to the railroad tieup, the trains carrying the show did not reach Akron until late Sunday, May 2, almost 24 hours after the scheduled time of arrival. Monday was a day of fair skies, and two capacity houses were played to.
The Terre Haute, Ind., engagements of the Sells-Floto Circus seem to be followed by bad luck. On its initial appearance, in 1917, a downpour of rain flooded the lot. In 1918 the railroad, on account of lack of motive power, refused to haul the show to Terre Haute at the last moment. This season's date, April 30, the first section arrived on time, while the other two were held up at St. Louis on account of a wreck, and did not reach Terre Haute until 4 p.m. No parade or afternoon performance were given. Reports circulated that they would not show on account of the wreck caused a small attendance at the night performance. The weather was very cold and disagreeable.
Massillon, O., May 6. The Evans Motorized Circus, scheduled to open here May 1, will not inaugurate its season until next week. Due to the inclement weather of last month, J. J. Evans, owner of the show, decided to postpone the opening of the show about ten days, until the weather becomes more settled. The Canton, O., engagment of three days has been moved ahead one week, and instead of playing that stand May 6, 7 and 8, the show will move to Canton from the opening stand, May 13, for three days. Rehearsals are in progress. It is planned to stay on the road until late in December, playing through Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia. The show will be completely motorized, fifteen trucks being used to transport the equipment.
Major G. A. Gagge, a brief mention of whose death from heart disease at Terre Haute, Ind., May 2, was made in the last issue, was 54 years of age. He was at one time treasurer of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. During the war Major Gagg was called to Washington to assist in organizing and developing the shipping board. He was also prominent in all amateur theatrical enterprises and in Elk and Masonic affairs. He is survived by his wife, one son and mother.
Business continues to be topnotch with the Al G. Barnes Circus. Turnaway houses were recorded at Chico and Marysville, Cal. One show was given at Roseville. The tent was packed with the reservation Indians, who were camped along the lot for a day in advance. The circus "enjoyed" a snowstorm on the way to Reno, Nev., and crossed the mountains in a big blizzard. Drew Stanfield and Margaret Marlow, two of the Jack Cavanaugh troupe, are meeting success in contest riding. Happy de Rosselli, Rex de Rosselli's son, formerly with the Barnes Circus and now with Sky Clark on the Wortham Shows, has received a D. S. C. medal for heroism in the world war. Jim Cassidy and George Davis are moving things fast on the show. - Rex De Rosselli
The Lombard & Hathaway Combined Shows opened their season at Beacon Falls, Conn., April 28, to two good houses. Among those deserving special mention are William Curtis and his trained bears, the Millman Family of wire walkers, the Sevillos, cannon ball jugglers; Lombard & Hathaway's trained ponies and dogs, Arthur Barat, equilibrist, and Emil Schweyer and his five fighting lions. The side show is under the direction of J. S. Robertson. The show is handled on the lot by Dewitt Bland (Blair). The show is routed through Connecticut.
Wm. J. Bray's Dog, Pony and Picture Show opens week of May 15 at New Germany, Minn. The show will carry its own light plant, motion picture machine, twelve dogs, four ponies, three monkeys, and twenty-five birds. It is a tent show of normal size, traveling in five wagons and two one-ton trucks, and has an air calliope, band organ and five piece band. "The Passing of the West," a Western Indian picure, will be featured. Roster: Wm. J. Bray Jr., sole lowner; Wm. J. Bray Sr., treasurer; Edw. C. Bray, manager; Joe Polzak, advance agent; Leonard Burgtorf, litho, billposting and advertising agent; Fred S. Cooke, auditor; James Fitzpatrick, calliope player and ticket seller; Mrs. W. J. Bray, concert tickets; Mrs. Edw. Bray, fancy riding and hand-to-hand jumping; Dan Williams, general contractor and announcer; Frank James, fancy roping, riding and high jumping.
New Philadelphia, O., May 8. Howe's Great London Shows, playing the smaller towns of Eastern Ohio, encountered rain almost every day, but are making the stands with regularity. This city proved an excellent stand for the show, as did Barberton, O.
Elgin, Ill., May 5. It is reported here from Quincy, Ill., that six elephants, evidently belonging to the Yankee Robinson Circus, which exhibited at Quincy on Monday, stampeded at a local amusement park. The animals were swimming in a lake when a dog jumped into the water and grabbed one of the bulls. The animals bowled over their keepers, demolished fences and ruined lawns. They were captured five miles east of Quincy. No one was injured.
A monkey was born to Sallie and Tommie, of monkeydom of the Backman-Tinsch Show, at Amarillo, Texas.
Joe Cohen, oldtime agent with the white tops and car shows, is operating the news stand in the Southern Pacific Depot at Austin, Tex.
Ruth Sawyer, who was recently killed in an auto accident in Arkansas, was the daughter of Rose Killian [sic Kilian], of the Rose Killian Show, and a sister of Rosa Rosalind, formerly with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show. Miss Sawyer was an aerialist.
Abe Aronson, clown, was with the Sells-Floto Show during its Chicago engagement. His elephant and rabbit dog made a hit in the Windy City. Abe is now on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show.
Beverly H. Moseley, formerly a clown on the Cook Show, writes from Rochester, N. Y., that he will not go on the road this season. His first clowning days were in the A. E. F. with Harry Liniger and Vern Correll. Moseley was recently married to Truey J. Shetler, of Wayland, N. J.
Frank Stennett and Oscar Wiley, of the Hippodrome and Orpheum Theaters at Waco, Texas, who were formerly with the Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Shows, have started a billposting plant, doing theater work.
Fred Newton and son, Fritz, known as the Human Airplance, will not be with the white tops this season, having canceled their engagement with Oscar Lowande's American Shows. The reason is that Mrs. Fred Newton has just returned to their home in Trenton, N. J., from a hospital, where she has been confined for some time.
Gentry Bros. Program of big show performance: No. 1, grand entry; No. 2, 40-pony act, worked by Miss Myers; No. 3, revolving ladder by George and George, and clown walkarounds; No. 4, pony drill by W. Weaver; No. 5, clown number, Jargo and mule; No. 6, 45 dogs worked by Weaver and Williams; No. 7, contortion by Fred Manske; No. 8, Marguerite Redrick, also clown walkarounds; No. 9, riding dog act by W. Weaver; No. 10, swinging ladders by mrs. Wm. Jones, Marguerite Redrick and Mrs. Jim Williams; No. 11, clown number, prize fight; No. 12, Mrs. Fern George, prima dona, trained pigeons; No. 13, elephants worked by Jim Williams; No. 14, iron jaw by Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Redrick, and clown walkarounds; No. 15, leaping greyhounds; No. 16, Darktown and his bucking mule; No. 17, George and George on the trampoline. The clowns are: Billy Stiles, Bob Stiles, Bill Farmer, Bob Daley, Al Gaston, Frank Moreno, Fred Manske, Kid George and Lee Stiles.
In the concert are: Steve Savage, wrestler, assisted by Jack Orlando; Guard and Guard, xylophone players; Mrs. Fern George, singer; W. W. Weaver's monkey act; Mrs. Madalyn Myers, rifle shot. Side show: Henry Emgard, manager; A. Murray, assistant, magic and inside lecturer; Willie Strickland, human volcano; Princess Juanita, mind reading and fortune telling; Frozino, what is it?; Jack Lovevere, Punch and ventriloquist; Sailor Beno, tattooed man; Mlle. Barto and her snakes; Ruby Gonzales, untamable lion act; ticket sellers, Edward Norman, Mel Burtiss and Elmer Myers. The front attraction is Ralph A. Miller, mid-air strait jacket thriller.
Band: Henry Kern, bandmaster; U. G. Nixon, B. Kristie, W. Jackson, A. Kelly, J. W. Kraus, C. Clesi, C. A. Hampton, George Neal, C. J. Kearney, S. A. Tracy, H. W. Goves, J. Booth, J. Hart, A. Kowett, Mrs. H. Kern and B. Guard. Candy stand: Tom Everett, head butcher, assisted by Bill Rankin, J. J. Kirwan, Bob Williams, Lee Stiles, H. L. McCoy, Ed Harris and Bill Hawkins. Milt Robbins is manager of the pit show, and Mrs. Robbins has charge of the tickets.
The staff includes J. D. Newman, manager; H. Franklin, secretary and treasurer; Ben Austin, general agent; Wm. Godfrey, adjuster; Wm. Baird, No. 1 ticket wagon; Chas. Redrick, No. 2 ticket wagon; W. W. Weaver, equestrian director; Jim Williams, assistant; Whitie Lehrter, superintendent and boss canvasman; Buck Buckner, boss of properties; Wm. Winters, trainmaster; Martin Denver, steward; H. E. Good, kid worker; Claud Orton, boss hostler; Mrs. Orton, wardrobe mistress. - Billy Stiles
John Robinson Circus. After showing at Cincinnati, the show moved to Middletown, April 28, and gave a street parade and two performances to good attendance in a steady downpour of rain. Dayton, Thursday, April 29. Parade on the main thorofares, business capacity at night, fair at matinee. Leonard Karsh, formerly of the Sells-Floto Shows, joined here, and can be found collecting pasteboards on the main gate to the big show. Friday, April 30, Columbus, tremendous business and real April showers all day, letting up enough to get loaded and out of town. Visitors, John Shannon and wife, who were previous to this season connected with the show. Long run and long haul to Logan, Ohio, May 1, two performances to utmost capacity, afternoon and night, one of the best days of the week. At Columbus the performers and musicians and available staff, who could get away, went to Greenlawn Cemetery, where Sadie Lietzel, wife of Joe Wallace, lot superintendent, was buried. Mrs. Paul Goudron, of Chicago, sister of Miss Leitzel, was present, as well as several other friends and relatives. - Billy Exton
The Richard Bros. Shows are touring Alabama and doing excellent business in spite of rain and muddy roads. The show is carrying a large spread of canvas for an overland circus, and is transported by fifteen wagons, six trucks and five cages. Harry Steele is boss canvasman of the big top, and T. Ingram of the side show top. Will Walker has the cookhouse, assisted by T. Johnson and Sam Wilson. Rastus Richards is chief mechanic. The circus is equipped with its own electric lighting system, which is transported by two wagons. A ten piece band and an air calliope are carried. Program: Prof. Haley, light and heavyweight balancing; Flying LaStarr, loop walking and combination casting act; Kitty Mae Erwin, contortionist; Mrs. W. C. Richard, menage; Mrs. Erwin, slack wire; Prof. Will Erwin, head balancing trapeze; Lavoi LaStarr and Neil Brown, tight wire; W. C. Richard, mule hurdle; Kitty Maie, rings; LaStarr, Steel and Ingram, clown number; Mrs. W. C. Richard and Neil Brown, assisted by five ballet girls, in musical number. The concert follows with Colorado Bill's Wild West, including Oklahoma Spot, chief of cowboys; Jim Creg, trick and fancy shooting; Charles Manison and wife, trick and fancy ropers; Montana Charlie, Texas Red and Jack Phenex, riders.
Fifteen joeys are in clown alley on the Yankee Robinson Circus, including Kenneth R. Waite, producer; Billy Hart, Shorty Brown, Chas. Willis, Slim McAndrews, O. E. ___, George Holmes, Harry Robettas, Bob Hanley, Lawrence McAllister, Billy McCauley, Paul Wetzer, Billy and Frank McCune and Chester Sherman. The latter works the come-in.
The Gordon Brothers and Bob, the boxing kangaroo, closed with the Ringling-Barnum show at Madison Square Garden May 1, and opened at Starlight Park in the Bronx, New York.
Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus gave the first parade of the season on the streets of Brooklyn, N. Y., May 3.
Billy Morris, professionally known as Billy Mosher, who has been in the show business for the past twelve years, mostly with circuses and minstrel shows, always in a managerial capacity, has given up the white tops and has gone into the automobile business with his brothers in Los Angeles, known as the Morris Bros. Auto Co.
William Reno Jr. and his partner Roy G. Marr have had several concessions with Russell Bros. Shows in Louisiana all winter, and will be the the Landes Shows this summer.
Frank M. Swan, press agent of the Gentry Bros. Circus, in the prime of his stage life was a noted dancer, and with his wife, Nell Spencer, appeared in Fort Worth, Texas thirty years ago in Georg R. Holland's theater. Mr. Swan's wife, Nell Spencer, died years ago and was buried at Weatherford, Tex. M. L. Clark's wagon circus and Samuel & Pomeroy Circus are a few of the shows which Mr. Swan has served as press agent. George Powers, real name George Nolan, another of fame in those days, is guarding the front door of the Elks' Club at Fort Worth.
Billboard, May 22, 1920, pp. 56, 57, 58, 59. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Business with Gentry Bros. Shows has been excellent. Two turnaways at Ranger, Tex. William Godfrey, legal adjuster, has left the show to attend to business affairs in Chicago. Herb Duvall replaced him at Ft. Worth, Tex. The show encountered a bad storm at Eastland, Tex., and the big top was torn to pieces. Until a new top arrived the show exhibited under side walls. Gentry played day and date with Russell Bros. Shows at Pine Bluff, Ark. A cyclone struck the show at Abilene, Tex., where but one show was given, and that in the evening. Nothing serious happened. Clara Everett had a slight misfortune during the parade at Abilene. A towner ran down her horse with an automobile. Miss Everett was thrown and received slight injuries. Bob Stiles is getting laughs with his dancing doll walkaround. Claud Orton and wife left the show at Sweetwater, Tex. - Billy Stiles
Herbert S. Maddy and J. W. Gentry, both widely known in the circus world, have organized a small motorized vaudeville tent show, known as the Legion Fair. . . .
Massillon, O., May 14. J. J. Evans, veteran Massillon showman and trainer, inaugurated the season's tour of his combined Wild West and dog and pony circus last Saturday. The feature act is "Daniel, the Great," billed as the horse with the human brain. The show will cater chiefly to children. From one night stands to a week and ten day engagements will be played by the show. Frank Greene is the general agent. Present plans will take the show on a tour of Eastern Ohio, and then into Pennsylvania, sixty-three stands being made before Pittsburg, Pa., is reached. From Massillon Monday the show went to Orville, thence to Brewster, and on to Canton for a three day engagement, on two lots, playing day and date Thursday with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. Equipment is transported on fifteen light trucks, and the jumps are never more than ten miles, unles over Sunday. Eleven head of live stock is carried, including several draft horses. There is a white and colored band. A concert is featured after the big show. The big top is new and has a seating capacity of 1,000. It is Evans' first venture with a motorized show. Heretofore he has confined his efforts to a dog and pony circus and vaudeville. Frank Greene has the side show. - McConnell.
Word comes to New York from the Panama Canal Zone that after a two weeks' layoff in Cistobal, on account of the "flu," the Shipp & Feltus Circus resumed its tour and is now en route to Chili. Two experienced nurses with the show were put into service during the "flu" siege in the Zone. No deaths are reported among the show folk.
New York, May 12. Oscar Lowande Jr. is back from Ponce, Porto Rico, and reports through Alexander Lowande that the Martinho Lowande Jr. Circus is doing excellent business. Oscar Jr. is now in Reading, Mass., preparing Oscar Lowande's American Circus for the coming tour. Alexander Lowande says that nearly all the acts for the Lowande & Gardner Show Company have been engaged. Oscar Lowande Sr. is due to arrive in New York this week from Kingston, Jamaica.
A Billboard representative went to Hammond, Ind., May 8 to cover the Heuman Bros. Shows, but on account of unforeseen delays, manager Billy Heuman was obliged to defer his opening until Monday night, May 10. To solve the irritating and expensive electric light problem, Mr. Heuman has installed a new electric motor and furnishes his own electricty. Havemann's Animal Show is the feature attraction in the arena, consisting of six lions and four leopards. The bicycle act (rube) of the Heuman Family and Rolf and Kennedy, aerial and acrobatic act, will also be featured, besides the dancing and posing horses. The show will have three rides. Mike Smith has two concessions. Herman Rudick, Charles Herman and Ned Feinberg will also have concessions. The organization plays Hammond until May 15, then for the next four or five weeks will exhibit around Chicago. W. F. Murphy is in charge of the cookhouse.
The Hannafords have joined the Sells-Floto Shows.
A. J. Anderson has the pit show with Cole Bros. Circus.
Cook Bros. Circus had a blowdown at Millerstown, Pa., May 10, but no one was injured. One performance was given to a packed house.
Dainty Miss Little Bit is with the Cole Bros. Shows, doing flying rings and ladder in the big show, while Bessie Smith and Nellie Hall are in the side show.
Word reaches New York that Lowery Bros. Circus will not go on tour this season and that George B. Lowery will offer the show for sale in its entirety.
John Denier, old time pantomime clown, 91 years of age, is living in New Orleans, where he is caretaker for the New Orleans Gun Club.
Jerry Allen, clown, was compelled to cancel his engagement with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus on account of the illness of his wife. Mrs. Allen died May 7 after a lingering illness.
Atterbury Bros. Circus is playing to good business despite plenty of rain. Bonhomie Bros., acrobats, joined at Keosauqa, Ia. W. A. Allen is again agent for the show.
C. L. (Pop) Fowler, famous oldtime circus clown and minstrel, is now an inmate of the Soldiers' Home at Marshalltown, Ia.
Carl Elder, known professionally as Chief Elwin, who had signed with the Great Sanger Circus for the season, on the eve of his departure for Memphis, Tenn., to join the show, was thrown from a horse, breaking his arm and dislocating his shoulder. He will work in the park at Paducah, Ky., this summer.
John R. Nalon and his wife, Claire Violet, the mind reader, joined the Doc W. Palmer's side show with the Sells-Floto Circus. Miss Violet's crystal gazing is one of the inside features.
Charles Noren, who in 1915 trouped with Howe's Great London Shows, is now on the front door of the Rhoda Royal Show, having joined when the show inaugurated its tour, following his discharge from the U. S. Army.
Martinho Lowande Sr. is now 81 years young, and still doing his four-horse act with Martinho Lowande's Show, now in Mantanzas, Cuba. Mr. Lowande quit smoking at the age of 75, having smoked for sixty-five years, and is confident the change has improved his general health and appetite.
The Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Record, dated May 10, carried the following: "Mack McFadden, formerly of Pittston, who for a number of years been located in Wilkes-Barre and engaged in lithograph and billposting work, has joined the John Robinson Circus advertising force, a member of the special bill brigade, under Frederick Barker. John Henry Rice, one of the oldest circus advertising agents on the road, is at present contracting agent for the Walter L. Main Circus. Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey advertising car No. 2 is in charge of Thomas Daley of Lancaster, Pa., one of the veterans of the show business. He was with the Barnum & Bailey Show nearly thirty years, and has been with the Ringlings nearly twenty years. Frank C. Cooper, press agent for the John Robinson Shows is traveling iwth advertising car No. 3."
Roster of Ringling-Barnum advance car No. 1: George Goodhart, manger; Jim Donalson, contracting press agent; H. Meyers, programs; Tom Connors, boss billposter, with Charles Warner, assistant; M. E. Wisehart, S. J. Clawson, Geo. Orth, George W. Bray, Ed Quick, Harry Service, George W. O'Connor, O. Dedinger, F. W. Emery, George Morarty, C. M. Bates, billposters; Paul Marr, boss lithographer, with Al D. Newburger, assistant; E. H. Riche, L. E. Knowles, E. H. Shank and V. C. Knowles, lithographers.
John Robinson Circus. After a long run from Logan, O., May 1, the show reached Charleston, W. Va., May 2, under wonderful weather conditions which gave everybody a chance to get things cleaned up after a week of rain. Monday, May 3, a long parade and two great houses, after which the show left for Huntington, where parade and two shows were given. At Charleston, during the races in the afternoon performance, one of the horses slipped and fell, causing slight injuries to three people standing in the entrance to the menagerie. At Huntington, May 4, a young man, whose identity the management could not learn, was killed by a fall from one of the wagons, which he was trying to board en route form the show grounds to the train. Business here S. R. O. at matinee, capacity at night. Long run to Parkersburg, May 5, which caused the show to lose its first parade, but business was good. Another long run into Clarksburg, May 6, after which the show encountered a two-and-a-half-mile haul, which prevented a parade here also. It is almost impossible to give a street parade in the streets of this city and over the bridges. Uniontown, Pa., May 7. Reached town at noon. No parade, two shows to capacity houses. Charleroi, May 8. Parade on the main streets at 10:30. Mr. and Mrs. DeMarce joined the show at Charleroi. They were delayed in reaching the show before owing to the embargo on express, which tied up their properties and paraphernalia. - Billy Exton
Capacity business still reigns with the Al G. Barnes Shows. Daniel Williams has taken charge of the big seal act, Captain Stonewall retiring for the current season. Roy Stevens is working a big bear act, eighteen in all. Captain Ricardo has added five more lions to his act, making twenty-two. Austin King, producing clown, was initiated into the Elks at Ogden, Utah. Harry X. Clarke ahs charge of the privilege car. Bones Hartzell is a knockout with his one-man prize fight. Eddie Trees is breaking a big puma act. Cheerful Gardner, assisted by "High Pockets," is schooling the new elephants. Joe and Lilly Lowery have been engaged by Bobby Fountain for the side show No. 1. Ova Ashworth has recovered from her accident and is again riding. Elmer Lingo is the new trainmaster. George Pierce will assist Dusty Rhodes in teh 24-hour ahead position. Marguerite Strickler Simon will add two more people to her troupe. Little Dot Whitney is the pocket edition to the high school riders. Ruth Cohn is again with the show, recovered from illness. - Rex de Rosselli
Massillon, O., May 14. Headed for Pennsylvania, with only two more Ohio standes, the Rhoda Royal Circus came to Massillon Tuesday. Conspicuous on the lot were two new stables, up for the first time. A new menagerie top is expected within a week, and the new big top is due to arrive before the end of the month. Despite the rail difficulties, the show has been moving smoothly, but few delays. At Moundsville, W. VA., and at Bellaire, O., the S. R. O. sign was out. Rosa Rosalind, for many seasons feature act with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, came over from Canton with her husband and paid the show a visit. "Lorette," as she is known in Keith vaudeville, was on the show two days to visit her father, Alton, the wire performer. William Herman, three seasons with the Johnny Jones Exposition Shows, is in charge of the commissary this season. His wife is wardrobe mistress. Fifteen cars are used to transport the show.
W. N. Montgomery, former circus man as owner and manager Texas Bill's Wild West, is now general representative Westerman Brothers' Toyland Exposition. First season in the carnival business, and likes it.
Executive staff of the Sells-Floto Circus: H. B. Gentry, president and general manager; S. O. Foxworthy, road treasurer; F. A. McLain, auditor; Robert DeLochte, assistant treasurer; J. L. Koontz, secretary to Mr. Gentry; Raymond Elder, superintendent of tickets; Robert Worth, Ralph Lane, Ben Powell, William Cronin, Chas. Hoyt, ticket sellers; W. F. Palmer, side show manager; D.E. Mills, assistant; Happy Brandon, superintendent of concessions; H. C. Bruner, candy stand auditor; Frank Braden and W. D. Coxey, press agents; Bobby Guyob, head usher; Frank Loftis and F. B. Head, front door men.
Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey advertisin car No. 3 in in charge of Charles G. Snowhill. On the car: Walter Hesley, Sam Leveson, J. Sobraico, Charles Gottlieb, L. B. Sharpe, Jim Gillick, F. B. Hunt Huet, J. Raymond Morris, W. P. Phillipson, Homer Hall. The students are: Dan Bates, P. L. Haggerty, Ed Reardon, R. G. Goodwin, Ben Gottlieb, K. Oliver, A. Hamill, porter. W. T. Gilby is route inspector, R. W. Gaskill in charge of programs, and V. S. Scott is banner squarer and also steward.
Youngstown, O., May 13. During the engagement of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show in this city today, Arthur Hoffman, side show manager, observed his 43nd birthday. During the past 20 year he has been identified with the leading circuses. A Virginian by birth, Mr. Hoffman spends his winters in Washington, D. C., with his family. He is a 32nd degree Mason, and a Shriner.
Billboard, May 29, 1920, pp. 38, 66, 67, 68, 69, 100. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Bob Fisher, member of the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus, and Francis McBeth, one of the statue girls with the same organization, were married seven weeks ago.
Andrew L. Downie, manager of the Walter L. Main Shows, informed us that business with the show has been excellent. He is enlarging the show to twenty cars, and has a new working men's sleeper, new sleeper for the performers and has added two 60 foot flat cars adn 16 head of stock. Twenty additional head of stock will be added at an early date. A new 60 foot stock car arrived at Suffolk, Va., May 15. Joe Webb's Wild West show is giving satisfaction.
Orton Bros. Circus, wagon show, opened the season at Jamaica, Ia., May 15. It is resplendent in new paint, has new tents and new equipment throughout. The show is still under the management of R. Z. Orton and his sons, members of one of the oldest circus families in the world.
New York, May 22. The Ringling-Barnum Circus has boosted its admission, the new prices being $2.20 for grand stand seats and $1.10 for general admissions. Former prices were $1.50 grand stand and 75 cents for general admission.
"Tex" Ellis, the negro woman impersonator, has been engaged by the Ringling bros. to do his character as a negro wench. Prior to entering vaudeville, Ellis was with the Hagenbeck-Wallace and Al G. Barnes shows.
Carl Waddell is back with Cook Bros. Circus.
Frank Leonard is with Rice Bros. Shows, working the stock. Bob Cook, advertising clown, is performing with Fred Salmon, singing and talking clown.
Leahy Bros., ring gymnasts, are now with Cook Bros. Circus, featuring the famous Buck Leahy trick.
Henry Seifert, boss canvasman, has joined the William Todd Motorized Show, his second season. He has replaced Frank Kelly, who recently left the show.
Claude Orton and wife closed with Gentry Bros. Show and are located at Houston, Tex. Mrs. Orton is recovering from an attack of malaria.
Roster of Cook Bros. Show band: Harry (Pete) Heilman, leader; George Ray, Ed Leahy, Dan Moleski, Chas. Parsie, Gust Ahrendt, Thos. Henley, Bright Jones, John Wise, Henry Messer, Gerald Pietz, Art Huber, Harry (Doc) Richards and Al Leaman.
Clowns with the Sells-Floto Show: Marceline, Lorette, Arthur Borella, Jack Albion, Lon Moore, Karl Milvo, Danny McAvoy, Fred Gay, Will Scott, Jack Lyons, Earl Shipley, Art Monette, Ray and Leo Hendryx, Bob Marr, Charles Sells, Floyd Short, Ward and Koplin, Harry Bachman, C. V. Denny, Toto the frog, Burkhardt and Hammelman, Tom Sanger, E. Cassidy, Ward N. Wright, Frank Clayton, George Weiman and the Arisato Trio.
Kane, Pa., May 20. The Rhoda Royal Circus had two good houses here today, following fine business at Union City, 18, and Corry, 19.
A fire recently destroyed the home and all personal belongings of Mr. and Mrs. George S. Ely at Bering, Tex., and left them without a vistage of clothing, except what they carried from the flames on their backs. They were minus a shelter or wherewith ti rebuild the Southern home which graced their ranch, half a mile south of Bering. Mr. Ely's present situation is very distressing, being a follower of the white tops for nearly forty years, he had put all his savings into the ranch and buildings, where he made his quarters when off the road. He entered the profession at the age of eighteen when he joined the [unreadable text] He started a museum under canvas, where he accumulated enough capital to purchase five teams of horses and embarked in a one-ring circus, which continued to grow until it required fifteen wagons and fifty-five head of horses to haul it. He finally settled down in Texas, prepared to take life more easily, when the calamity overtook him early in April, leaving him destitue of everything except the land and without means to recuperate unless friends came to the rescue.
S. B. Anderson's Dog, Pony and Wild West Shows, since the opening May 8, has played to good business through Indiana. The show will tour the middle States during the summer and the Southern States in the winter. The roster: S. B. Anderson, manager; Mrs. S. B. Anderson, secretary and treasurer; Joe Curran, equestrian director; Jack Anderson, advance agent; Mae Anderson and Golda Currran, ticket takers; Dan Willard and Evelyn DeGray, acrobats and clowns; Willar Freckles Anderson, bronk buster; Reckless Fred Sopher, fancy rifle shot, rope spinner and bronk buster; Oklahoma Mae Sopher, fancy sharp shooting adn Wild West lady rider; Art Sommer, steer bull dogger, bronk buster and wrestler; C. J. Curran, bronk buster and rider; Eddie Anderson, mascot; Louise Sopher, Hawaiian dancer; Musical Simmons, formerly of the 101 Ranch, principal clown; Slats Satterly, contortionist and producing clown; DeGray and Willard, boxers and dancers; A. Simmons, juggler and general clowning. The Major has added a new steam piano that is used for the parade, also for the pony and other acts. Alice Sopher handles the reserves.
L. E. Blondin, animal trainer, was booked by wire to join the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, as assistant, to work acts under the chief animal trainer, John Helliott.
John Cooper, lion tamer, died recently at Wolverhampton, England. He was a native of Birmingham. When a boy he was connected with Hilton's Menagerie, afterwards with Batty, and then with James Washington Myers' American Circus. His last engagement was with Edmonds' Menagerie. He was eighty years old and had lived many years in retirement.
Billboard, June 5, 1920, pp. 56, 57, 58, 59, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Louis D. Thilman, assistant manager of Howe's Great London Shows this season, was shot and killed at Dunnville, Ont., Can. The shooting occured at 8:45 p.m., May 25, and Mr. Thilman died at 1 o'clock the next morning. Joe Apart [Joe Porter], known as "Hamburger Joe," concessioner with the show, is under arrest, charged with the crime. Mr. Thilman was selling tickets for the big show when Apart is alleged to have come up to the wagon, rested a thirty-eight caliber revolver on the edge of the wagon and fired three shots. Apart was captured the next day, and place under heavy guard in a hospital to receive treatment for wounds received when he resisted arrest. He is not expected to live. There is no clue for the killing of Mr. Thilman. It is alleged that Apart [Porter] was under the influence of liquor, and that he was also trying to round up Dan Odom, the manger of Howe's Great London Shows, and Harry Sells, the boss canvasman. Mr. Thilman had been connected with the Mugivan and Bowers Circuses in official capacities for twenty years or more. He is survived by a widow, who resides in St. Louis.
Porter had the hamburger steak privilege on a weekly fee. He was required to deposit two weeks' fee as a guarantee of good faith, and to give two weeks notice when he wished to abandon the agreement. It is alleged that he had been drinking recently. Toward evening he apparently decided to quit the circus, wanting his money deposit. Mr. Thilman was in the large wagon near the entrance selling ticket. Thilman said he could not pay him then, but had to wait until later, when Porter is alleged to hae fired three shots into the body of Thilman. Porter was captured after resisting arrest, a number of shots having been fired at him which entered his body.
New York, May 29. Fred Gerner, famous athlete, called at The Billboard office Tuesday, accompanied by James J. Murray, his manager. Mr. Gerner has been commissioned to prepare two acts for the Victor Motorized Circus, an ice skating spectacle and the "Fox Hunt," which are to be under the personal direction of Mr. Murray. Immediately after the close of the present season, their plans are to turn their farm on East Chester road, this city, into a training camp for athletes, boxers, circus performers, and others. Their acts are being assembled and rehearsed there now.
Charles Romig, late of the Barnum Show, has the No. 1 outside stand on the Sells-Floto Shows this year.
Bill Scott is butchering with the John Robinson Shows this year. He was formerly with the Ringling Show on the candy stands.
T. G. Barney is not trouping this year because he is in business for himself at Denver. Col. Mr. Hoyt, his partner, is again on the Sells-Floto Circus.
Mrs. Josie DeMott Robinson and Mrs. Camile DeMott Doering are sisters of Mrs. Robert Stickney Jr.
John Metz has the "Serpentina" pit show with the Walter L. Main Circus.
The brigade of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus includes S. B. McDonough, in charge; George Singleton, assistant; Ralph Abernath, Harry Ed Price, E. Hensen, M. Gorlick, N. Houser, W. Martin. Singleton will be connected with one of the Gus Hill attractions the coming season.
Akron, O., May 29. Two solid weeks of bookings within a radius of twenty miles of Akron are proving profitable for the Evans Dog and Pony Show. In charge of J. J. Evans, the owner, the show is moving nicely. New acts have been added, and now a two-hour program is offered. Sixteen trucks may be inadequate to transport the equipment of the show after more paraphernalia is added next week. The route takes the show through Eastern Ohio and then into Pennsylvania. It is the largest undertaking of J. J. Evans, veteran Massillon, O., circus man.
The Al G. Barnes Circus folks had a great time at Salt Air Lake Beach, Salt Lake City, Utah. Swimming contest were held among the showfolk. At Pendelton, Ore., Jack Cavanaugh Trio took on some local champion riders. Alfred Wolfe, auditor, and Ruth Cohn were married at Portland. Miss Cohn was showered with flowers during her act. J. Sky Clark is paying the show a visit, and assisting on the front door. Bert Rickman is announcing in the big show of the Barnes Circus. Charles Bulware left for the Eastern fairs. . . .
J. Lamont writes from Porto Alegre, Brazil, S. A., March 23: "The Santos & Artigas Circus is now trouping through Brazil and meeting with success. It has done a turnaway business in Port Alegre. We had considerable rain last month, and were forced to stay in Santa Cruz twelve days. It rained five days without stopping, and it was impossible to give a show. We opened after all the rain to a packed tent and showed five days to good business, and lost two days loading and getting away. The railroad system is bad. It would be out of the questrion to do one-day stands. On March 14 we had a heavy windstorm and it caused a blowdown just before the matinee. The tent was pretty well packed. No one was injured, but considerable damage was done to the big top. However, we were ready to give a night show and had a good house. On March 18 we had another storm and were unable to give a performance. We jump to Pelotas by boat. Porto Alegre and Pelotas are located alongside of a large lake. From Pelotas we go to Rio Grande, then to Curityba, Sana Pablo, Rio de Janeiro, the Lamonts, of Lamont's Cockatoos, sail for home, after one year in Central and South America."
The Rhoda Royal Circus has been doing good business through Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, considering the weather. Mr. and Mrs. Don Darragh, on May 9, were called to Moundsville, W. Va., where their baby was left in a hospital, suffering from pneumonia. Death occurred May 15, and burial was made temporarily in the cemetery at Moundsville. Master Royal Darrah was the favorite of everyone on the show. The sum of $200 was raised by members of the show to erect a suitable monument for him. Tex Watts is working the elephants in place of Mrs. Rhoda Royal, who is visiting home folks in Toledo, O. Mrs. Melnotte joined at Oil City, Pa., with a tight wire and unsupported ladder act. Blackie Weber is handling the big top, with "Circus Dutch" as first assistant. Tex Watts has the side show canvas. Harry Ralvine has taken charge of the train. In the Wild West performance are Jitney Wrights, Jake Herman, Sandy Warner and Jim Shannon. Jack Harris, formerly with the Sells-Floto Show, is in clown alley and also plays the steam calliope in the parade. - Wm. Herman
John Robinson Circus. Sunday and Monday, May 16 and 17, at Syracuse, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Colby, late of the Barnum Show, spent the day with the show, and left Tuesday to join Howe's Great London Show. Art Adair celebrated his 52nd birthday. Carl Romig came back to the show at this point. He brought with him two new horses - one for saddle and the other a bronch. Mrs. Fred Charbino, wife of one of the Charbino brothers, joined the show here, and immediately donned wardrobe and makeup for the afternoon show. G. W. Fletcher, up until this time collecting tickets on the front gate, has been made cashier of the candy stands, replacing Jess Fiedler, who left the show May 16. Tuesday, May 18, Cortland, N. Y., business fair at both performances. Ithaca, N. Y., May 19, business above normal. Friday, May 21, at Corning, N. Y., business only fair, terrific rain interfering. Hail as big as quarters fell during the storm. Joe Du Mouchelle, late of the Harry Davis interests of Pittsburg, is a late addition to the show, and can be found at the front door, collecting red and green "ducats."
Toronto, May 29. W. F. Adams, known as "Pop," veteran billposter and agent of a score or more circuses and shows, has been elected steward on advertising car No. 1 of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, in place of Harry Stearns, boss lithographer, who has filled that position since the car opened.
Mrs. Lenoria, mother of Princess Carmen, of the John Robinson Circus, died at McComb, Miss., May 12, of heart failure. Princess Carmen, in private life is Mrs. Chris Zeitz, wife of the boss animal man of the Robinson Circus.
L. H. Heckman, circus agent of Ashland, O., died suddenly of heart failure in the King George Hotel, Ont. Can., Friday evening, May 28. He was 48 years old, and traveled with many of the larger circuses for thirty years in various capacities, such as program solicitor, car manager, local contractor, assistant general agent and general agent. At the time of his death he was general agent for Harvey's Minstrels. A widow, one son and his father survive him. The body was shipped to Ashland for burial. Mr. Heckman was a member of the Masons, Ashland Lodge.
Billboard, June 12, 1920, pp. 54, 55, 57. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Calgary, Can., June 3. A white laborer was killed and a negro roustabout injured, in a wreck occuring at 3:10 a.m. May 26, when the baggage car of the Christie 3-car circus broke through an irrigation canal bridge on the Canadian Pacific Railway south of Lethbridge. The high water in an irrigation ditch had undermined the bridge. The engine got over the bridge safely, but the tender and the end of the baggage car crashed through. Little damage was done to the contents of the car, and the loss of life was caused by the laborer being crushed by the wagon being thrown forward. The show will possibly lose two days on account of the accident.
In addition to the Christie Circus, which has contracted a route through Alberta and saskatchewan, Buller's Dog and Pony Show, also a three-car outfit, has a route through Western Canada. Cole Bros. is also heading in this direction through North Dakota. Al G. Barnes has contracted a route through British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Victor Lee joined Russell Bros. Shows at Muscatine, Ia., June 7.
Col. Victor F. Cody is with the Yankee Robinson Circus, doing his shooting and roping stunts.
Johnnie Marinella is doing his aerial ring and hand balancing contortion act with the Sells-Floto Circus.
Nig Clarke, Send Emery and Joe Haggerty, formerly with the Walter L. Main Show, have a minstrel show playing the Canal Zone.
This is Al Hicks' eleventh season with the E. H. Jones Shows as agent and brigade agent. He is with Jones-Rice Bros. Shows this year.
Arthur Mitchell writes from Balboa, Canal Zone, that he has left the Shipp & Feltus Circus and is now working for the U. S. Government at the shipyards as a boss rigger.
George Haines, formerly of the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Show, and this season with the Sells-Floto adv. car No. 1, left the car at Montreal, Can., and is now working in the shop at Albany, N. Y.
Charles Rube Boyd, producing clown with Cook Bros. Circus, was combelled to close at Lykens, Pa., on account of a dislocated shoulder, which he received at Trenton, N. J., on a clown number. He will be at his home, Camden, N. J., for the rest of the season.
John Heck, formerly trouper with the 101 Ranch and the Ringling Bros. Shows, is now in the show card writing business in Milwaukee.
Sam Bennett, veteran circus clown, recently closed with the Christy Shows in Wyoming.
The Gentry Bros. side show is under the management of Henry Emgard. Emgard is making the openings, Elmer Myers is on the No. 1 box and M. P. Burtis on the No. 2 bos. The oriental department, with Curley Murray is doing good. Ruth Osmond, May Burtis and Mrs. Murray are the dancers. Mrs. Burtis just received three big snakes for a feature snake act. Steve Savage, wrestler, is a feature of the concert.
Roster, No. 2 car, Hagenbeck-Wallace Show: Frank Van Miller, car manager; Walter Ray, boss billposter; Fred (Pinky) Bowers, Lew Strong, Emil Glanson, George Singleton, F. Abernathy, W. Weston and C. Parks, billposters; M. Pyne, lithos; F. Bush, cards; Ed White, chef; R. F. Proudfoot, porter; Walter Ray, steward.
The Great Wallick Circus opened at Madisonville, Ky., May 12, with an all new outfit. The big show consists of fifteen acts, featuring L. H. Ranft's horses. Music is furnished by H. G. Scott's All-American Band. The executive staff includes Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Wallick, owners; L. A. Stanton, general manager; H. C. Scott, bandmaster; L. H. Ranft, equestrian director; Martin Carr, in charge of canvas and commissary; Chick Stone, chandelier man; C. T. Miller, legal adjuster.
Myhre's Motor Circus opened the season May 5 at Grand Meadow, Minn., the home town and winter quarters of the show. The big show program consists of sixteen numbers, under the direction of Jack Hansen, equestrian director. Some of the features are: Hansen Family, aerial artists and head balancers; Baby Theo, child acrobat; Blanche Myhre, contortion and trapeze; Lolita, iron jaw; Nemo, pony with human brain; Myhre's dogs and monkeys. Clown alley is under the direction of Charlie Paul. A. J. Duffy has charge of the side show, with eleven inside attractions. All live pits are used. The front consists of a 60 foot string of eight by ten double-deck banners. Al Sigsbee has charge of the advance.
Billboard, June 19, 1920, pp. 40, 58, 59, 104. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Walter T. George, former circus billposter, and Evelyn M. Marsh, non-professional, were married at Ft. Pierce, Fla., May 16. Mr. George closed with the Sparks Circus last season.
M. Ashton Grissom, former purchasing agent of the Gentry Shows, and later special agent with the Metropolitan and Howe's Great London Shows, and Delma Love, non-professional of Lexington, Tenn., were married May 25 at Lexington.
One of the most peculiar cyclones was experienced by Heuman Bros. Shows at East Hammond, Ind., which was all over in about two minutes. The top of Rollo's circle swing whipped and buzzed around. The cyclone picked out Will Delavoye's concession top, 12x20. It was torn from its guys, lifted up bodily, frame and all, raising it twenty feet in the air, clearing it from all the paraphernalia on the inside. It rolled over twice and struck against Carsey's 10-in-1 last banner guy line, which stopped it. No braces of the frame were broken and the canvas only slightly torn. On Tuesday of the weeks' stay at E. Hammond, a windstorm razed the big circus top, which was badly torn.
New York, June 12. Harry Fillis, one of the Fillis Family of circus horsemen, is in receipt of a communication from his brother, who has charge of the act now in Mexico with Pubillones' Circo. They opened an eight-day engagement in the City of Mexico on May 29, to be followed by the same length of stay in Vera Cruz. The Fillis act is due to arrive in New York about June 25. According to Mr. Fillis, the revolution in Mexico in no way affected the attendance at the circus performances.
The following acts and people are with the Yankee Robinson Circus: Hoffman's polar bears, Tom Burno's ponies, Nellie Dobbs' ponies, Smith's dog act, John Cole's bucking mules, H. D. Omar, presenting Omar Sisters in an iron jaw and revolving ladder novelty; Howard Sisters, iron jaw; Mme. Hildebrandt, working pumas; Maude Earle and Rena Winger, trapeze; Harry Robettas, comedy contortionist; Eddie Lauer and his performing pigs; Adolph Hildebrandt, working lions; Tiebor's seals; Hazel Hickey, girl with baritone voice; Grant McCune Trio, comedy bar act; Max Sabel's dancing horses, with the following riders: Hazel Hickey, Nellie Dobbs, Eddie Lawless, Frank Miller, Max Sabel, Herman Hackenschmidt, meeting all comers; Kenneth Waite, producing clown assisted by Billy Hart, Shorty Brown, Walt Wellington, Slim McAndrews, O. E. Dobbs, George Holmes, Harry Robettas, Chas. Willis, Billy McCauley, Paul Winslow, Frank and Billy McCune,and Chester Sherman, who works the come-in in female attire.
Boone's Circus and Wild West has been playing in Kansas to good business, considering the rains for the past four weeks. The organization consists of twenty wagons, two autos, sixty-five head of stock, fifty people, a ten piece band and two free acts. Some of the hands on the show: Oscar Boyle, Reckless Slim, D. Boone, Albert Hagan, Walter Smith, Joe Key, Bob and Bill Woody, Clyde Boone, Casey Smith, Blondy Ward, Mack Runnels, Jeff Dalton and wife, Happy Cole and family, Loretta Woody, Fred Fisher, Jimmie Foster, Col. Harry Underwood, Marion White, Adams and wife, Montana Bell, Montana Pearl, Elsie the Girl from Texas. Smith and Adams have the concessions. J. W. Cauble has charge of the No. 1 advertising wagon. Masters Orville Cohn and Tom Boone are putting over a real clown act under the big top. Manager Pate Boone returned from Eureka, Kan., May 28, presenting a marriage certificate. Inda Cohn has been secretary of the Boone Shows for the past nine months. The show will play Southern oil fields until September and will then return to Oklahoma.
The Lombard & Hathaway Circus played three days in its home town, Bridgeport, Conn.
Abe Aronson, clown, until recently with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, joined the Sells-Floto Circus in Boston. Abe and his elephant and rabbit dogs are going big. There are now some twenty-nine clowns with the Denver organization.
Roster of Howe's Great London Circus advertising car No. 1: Al Clarkson, manager; R. H. Johnston, boss billposter, assisted by Chas. Hay, Herbert Key, Chas. Robie, James Blackburn, Fred Kohlbrand, L. O. Waite, Sam Hanford, Harry Kelly Kreamer, Jimmie Ferguson, W. Sullivan and Mike Shea; W. K. Lybrook, G. W. Taylor and James Hanford, lithographers; "Cleopatra" Anders, porter; Jack (Kid) Beach, banner solicitor; Peter Johnson Wiggins, chef.
William Hermann has severed his connection as steward and Billboard agent on the Rhoda Royal Circus, and is at home in Johnstown, Pa., prior to making the fall fairs and celebrations.
The Great Sanger Circus, owned by Floyd and Howard King, is a two car show, shortly to be enlarged to three. The list of acts in order: clown song by Arthur Berry; posing horses worked by Elsie Sotiro; trick mule, by Ed Martin; swinging perch, Frank Sotiro; clown number with Pete Loftus, Bob Nelson and Martin and Berry; riding money, Patsy; clown number; contortion act by Alice Nelson; dance and somersault wire by Berry; clown number; pony drill worked by Soldier Johnson; clown number; hand balancing by Frank Sotire; single trapeze, Aerial Johnson; tight wire, Marie Hassell; clown number; menage horses by Johnson and Miss Sotiro; comedy acrobats, Martin Bros. The side show is under the management of G. Burkhart.
The executive staff and department heads include Howard King, manager; Floyd King, advance; J. B. McMahon, legal adjuster; Charles McMahon, treasurer; Billy McKinnon, master of transportation and lot superintendent; Dan Sullivan, assistant superintendent; Joe Johnson, chandelier man; Claude Jarboe, superintendent tickets; Harry Sailor, mail agent; Les Sturgeon, in charge of candy stand, assisted by Tom Williams. Prof. Fred Melvin has the band, with musicians Messrs. Sailor, Jones, Thorpe, Hawkins, McCoy, McCrum, Terramore, Haynes, Johnson and Sartor. The big show performance is given under a 60 foot round top with one 40 and two 20s, and the side show under a 50 foot top with one 20. New sidewall has been ordered for the side show. Two elephants will be added to the show, necessitating the purchase of another car. The McMahon boys have been with the John Robinson and Yankee Robinson circuses. - Charles Wirth
Joseph F. Milbauer, 40, professionally known as Joe La Rex, an acrobat, died at his home in Bridgeport, Conn., recently of gas poisoning. He had been associated with circuses and theatrical attractions and was a member of several prominent troupes, including the Melrose Troupe and Lane and O'Donnell.
Billboard, June 26, 1920, pp. 38, 70, 71. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Business has been good for the Sells-Floto Circus throughout New England. A seven-ton truck has been added and is an aid in getting on and off the lot. A baseball team, to represent the show, has been organized. Arthur Borella, Slate Beeson, Alfredo Cadona, Karl Milvo and Jack Lyons have raised funds to equip the team from bats and balls to uniforms. Victoria Cadona was called to Salina, Kan., by the serious illness of her husband. Mrs. Brown came from Chicago to Boston to spend a few days with her husbanc, C. L. Brown, director of the big show band. . . . Earl Shipley
The Backman-Tinsch Trained Wild Animal Circus is in its sixteenth week, playing to good business. The baby lions and mother monk and baby are good drawing cards. Broken Bow, Ok., was two turnaways. Eugene McKenna, with his No. 2 side show, started early and was open to the last minute, his banner day of the season. Madam Golda, May Brownlee, Marie Voks and Allien Clark make hits with their numbers. Ray Woods, producing clown, has added some new numbers. Madam Golda, with her high school horse, Pearl, receives much applause. Capt. Roy House and his five fighting lions are a surprise to the natives. The Three Brownelles have aa knockout acrobatic act. The Flying Clarks' trapeze act is difficlut to surpass. John T. Backman, owner of the show, has his eye on several farms. Walker Morris, band leader, and the writer (treasurer), are making headway with their minstrel company which they will put out this winter. Joe Loyd is boss canvasman. - Roy Luddington
Arthur Whitler, tight wire and trapeze equilibrist, late of LaMont Bros. R. R. Shows, is now with Rice Bros. Shows.
Billie and Odeal Reid have left the Gentry Bros. Show. They have one of the best snake shows, using four pits, and are booked at fairs and homecomings.
Pauline Lorenzo, wife of Capt. Jack Lorenzo, animal trainer with the Howe Show, and daughter, Dorothy, are at their bungalow in Newport, R. I. Mrs. Lorenzo will be remembered as Pauline, the Leopard Girl. Pauline will be back in the game next year, carrying her own animals.
Advertising car No. 1, of the Yankee Robinson Circus: W. H. Reany, local contractor; F. C. Stern, car manager; H. Hendricks, special agent; Mike Fagan, boss billposter, assisted by Raymond Whalen, Bert Ellsworth, Oscar Wilde, George Tomville, C. C. Ferguson, Wm. Martin, Morris Fletwood, Don Holton and Joe Julian; James Winterstein, in charge of lithographers; James Bland and Wm. Howard, lithographers; Wars Small, chef.
Billboard, July 3, 1920, pp. 54, 55, 57. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Wm. H. Delly, formerly of Ringling, Barnum & Bailey and Sells-Floto circuses, has taken over several billposting plants in Indiana. Delly has been connected with the American Posting Service since closing his circus season last fall.
Tom Ford, pit show manager, has left Campbell Bros. Show.
The Woody Troupe has joined the Lucky Bill Show doing their acts in the big show and playing in the band.
On account of the shortage of help the Yankee Robinson Circus has eliminated the parade, but is doing good business just the same.
After putting in seven weeks as 24-hour man, F. W. Brooks left the Howe Great London Shows at Grand Falls, N. B., Can., and joined the Sparks Shows at Araprior, Ont., in the same capacity.
L. J. Sample, trainer with the Powers Society Circus, has been called to his home on account of the illness of his father. Fred Lillie, ring and trapeze performer, joined at Rockford, Ill., and is also doing a comedy acrobatic act with Guy McCune. John Fenton, superintendent of ring stock, recently rejoined.
Bessie Smith, performer, and Sidney Crown, both members of the Cole Bros. Circus, were married at Maryfield, Sask., Can., on June 19. The ceremony took place in the No. 1 ring during the performance. Rev. Hart officiated. Both will remain with the show.
Atterbury Bros. Wagon Show is now in Minnesota doing good business. Tom and Effie Whiteside, tight wire walkers, joined recently, replacing Mr. Bonhomie. Sam Bennett and bull dog have also joined. Mr. Bennett and the Atterbury Bros. were old school mates. They started together in the business thirty years ago with the Burr Robbins Show. Mr. Bennett, assisted by four other joeys, is putting on soem good numbers. Price Temple, clown, is a late addition to the show. The show will remain in Minnesota until September and will then go South and stay out all winter.
Billboard, July 10, 1920, pp. 54, 55, 57, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Eldridge & Conlon One-Ring Circus that is playing the papered towns of Cook Bros. Circus, is doing nicely. The show will continue through the Southern states on its own paper after Grantsville, Md., the last stand papered by the Cook Show's advance. Draft and ring stock is being added to the show, and more acts are coming on. A new 90 foot by 125 foot top has been ordered, and will be delivered with five sets of blues. A cookhouse tent and dressing room top will be delivered at the same time. Art Eldridge is moving the show over the road, as usual. Al Conlon is handling the contracts. Mrs. Eldridge is pleasing the crowds with her tight wire walking. Buck Leahy and the Everett Bros. are clowning and doing Roman rings. Art Eldridge is handling his trained ponies and dogs. Lou Engle is on tickets, and Bob Dixon on the door. A side show is to be added in the next two weeks. Everything is being repainted and overhauled, and when finished will be one of the best one-ring circuses on the road. The show will stay out until the holidays, and is working its way South now. - Lou Engel
Milton W. Westlake, City Councilman of Columbus, O., is seeking the Republican nomination for Congress. Mr. Westlake is an old trouper. He started his trouping with the Great Wallace Shows in 1875.
The Carl Clark Trained Animal Circus. At Cooperstown and Richfield Springs, N. Y., business was excellent. The performance of the ponies, especially the pick-out horse, "Satan," astonish. Everett Henne is director of the band, and DeArto and Azella are excellent acrobats and gymnasts. Happy Gardinier is an all-around assistant. The wagons are handsomely decorated, and the show carries fine looking draft stock.
Jack Palmer, late of the Christy Bros. Shows, is operating the billposting plant at Lethbridge, Alta., Can.
The Two Irwins arrived in Cincinnati, O., last week, after playing four months with the Richard Bros. Tent Show.
John Brice, many years with Ringling Bros. Circus, is chief of dectives with the Sells-Floto Circus, having joined about five weeks ago.
The Lucky Bill Show is still in Western Kansas. The show has lost only one day in the last three weeks, due to rain. It is transported by two big trucks, four touring cars and sixteen wagons, and has a four-horse advance wagon.
Walter L. Main Circus. At Conneaut, Ohio, June 6, the new menagerie top, a 70 with three 30s, replaced the old one. Since the "Governor" added a new car, "Baldy" Carmicheal and R. H. Hartman have taken a whole car for privileges. It consists of three private dining rooms, and 18 foot counter. Ted Halidorson and Charles Nolan have the counter. In the three dining compartments, each seating six people, large, comfortable chairs have been placed. A lighting system (gas) has been installed throughout the car. Bill Faust has joined, doing his aerial act with the assistance of Horace Laird, Bernie Griggs, son of Herman Griggs, equestrian director, is developing into "some clown." Pete King has the seats, and John Monhan is the sail maker. Marion Drew, of the side show, has added new features to her act. The side show is doing the business the big show does. Doc Williams is busy taking tickets. Belle Mainhood joined at Westfield. She is the private nurse of Serpentina, coming from Toronto. - Gardner Wilson
Roy C. Parker, otherwise known as Fred D. Shore, concessioner on the Christy Bros. Shows, died at Chaplain, Sask., June 25, of heart trouble. He was 40 years old and is survived by a widow who lives in Chicago. Internment was at Minnewaka, N. D., where Mr. Parker was reared.
Doc Swan, billposter, formerly on the advance of several of the largest circuses, died of heart trouble July 1 at Roanoke, Va. Burial was in Roanoke Cemetery. He had been located for some time at La Fayette, La., with a billposting plant until about two weeks ago, when he joined the advance of the Rabbitfoot Minstrels.
Daly Todd (Broughton), prominent acrobat, died June 25 at a Peoria, Ill. hospital, where he had been a patient for some time. He was 23 years of age and had been a performer since he was seven years old. The body was taken to Bloomington, Ill., where interment was made. Todd had been with almost all of the big circuses as an acrobat and had traveled into foreign lands. He was a half-brother of Alex Todd, one of the widely known acrobts in the world. The pair were once members of the famous "Flying Wards." During the influenza epidemic the younger Todd was taken ill and never fully recovered from the effects. Besides his brother, three sisters survive.
Billboard, July 17, 1920, pp. 54, 55, 56, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
W. B. Emerson, who has been connected with the Walter L. Main Shows for several seasons, was quietly married after the night show at Alpena, Mich., July 3, to Mrs. Anne Wier, widow of the late Dr. Wier, of Flint, Mich. Mr. Emerson rejoined the show at Onaway, Mich., July 5.
Little Hip, the female performing elephant which was advertised for sale in The Billboard, was sold to Floyd King, of the Great Sanger show, and delivered to him last week.
Carl Waddell and Henry Messer have joined the Rhoda Royal Shows.
Thomas Smith, late of the Buffalo Bill Show, is summering at his farm at Tullytown, Pa.
"Dad" Zanfretta, veteran circus clown, who has been amusing the public since 1869, returned to San Diego, Cal., for a visit to his birthplace at Old Town. He was born there in 1855, spent his youth there and then went to New York where he enlisted in the circus game.
Atlanta, Ga. Tex Arnold has a line of motor trucks and is in the hauling business. Tex has been boss hostler on the Yankee Robinson, Sanger, Spellman & Tompkins Wild West, but says he has quit the show business.
Fred and Doodles DeMarrs are not trouping as yet this season. They were contracted with the John Robinson Circus, but owing to an accident to Mrs. Doodles DeMarrs, who fell from a street car and injured her hip, were unable to meet the contract. Mrs. DeMarrs is getting along nicely, and they expect to finish the season with the 10 Big.
LaMont Bros. Trained Animal Shows began their eighth week July 5. Mr. LaMont was somewhat delayed in opening his show this spring on account of the railroad conditions in May. The show is equipped with all new canvas. It has traveled through Southern Illinois, Missouri and Kansas, and business has been good, with the exception of seven stands in Kansas which were only fair. The organization is traveling in two cars, the sleeper being 65 feet and the baggage car 70 feet. It is routed through Northwestern Nebraska, North and South Dakota and Minnesota. LaMont's has been fortunate in keeping the different departments supplied with working forces.
Roster: C. R. LaMont, sole owner and manager; George Rich, general agent; Oscar Laughlin, brigade agent with three billposters; Mrs. Georgia Randolph, secretary and treasurer; Elmer Porterfield, manager side show with the following acts: Baby Catherine Edwards, broom illusion; Madame Millie, snake enchantress; Signor Valdinado, tattoo artist; Professor Porterfield, punch act; Professor Kinnell, magic; Nelson and Nelson, mind reading. Charles Baker, equestrian director; Bud Hunter, superintendent of concessions; E. M. Palmiter, bandmaster, with the following musicians: Dan Smith, W. Lafferty, George Glover, C. A. Sears, F. Coppleman, C. O. Claire, Charles Hamton and Foddie Davis. Omer Eddings, superintendent of animals; Slim Wilson, superintendent of canvas; Shorty Barnes, boss hostler; Jerome Calaway, cookhouse; Art MacFadden, boss property man; Dad Moore, chandelier man; Roy Wilson, trainmaster; Will Philips, car porter.
Big show program: Grand entree; clown song, Charles Baker; pony drill, C. R. LaMont; walk around, Billy Rogers; lion act, Professor Eddings; pick-out pony, "Buckle," E. Haines; January act, C. R. LaMont and Charles Baker; juggling act, Elmer Porterfield; comedy magic and illusion, Rodgers and Baker; double trapeze, Aerial Edwards; menage horse, E. Haines; iron jaw, Aerial Satumas Family, three in number; goose walk around, Charles Baker; cradle act, Aerial Edwards; bucking mules, Baker, Rodgers and Haines; elephants, Prof. Omer Eddings; casting act, Satuma Family; mule hurdles, Charlie Baker. - Billy Rodgers
New York, July 10. Funeral services for James A. Hurley, 52 years old, circus clown, who died after a lingering illness at Bellevue Hospital, were held on Wednesday in the Funeral Church, under the auspices of the Actors' Fund of America. As "James Rossi" he was with the Barnum & Bailey Circus for twenty years. He appeared in variety with Weber and Fields, and also under the direction of Oscar Hammerstein. He closed with Ringling Bros. Show two years ago.
Waterbury, Conn., July 10. Frank T. Hill, of Waterbury, who died June 16, after being under the doctor's care for nearly two years, was downtown ticket seller with the Forepaugh-Sells Bros. and head ticket seller with Sells Bros. shows for many years. He leaves a widow, Mamie Kline Hill, well known in the circus profession, and his father, Thomas Hill.
George B. Ferguson, formerly connected with the Barnum & Bailey, Ringling Bros. and Sells-Floto circuses in the stock department, died July 6 at Akron, O. In later years he was with the American Express Company as chief inspector, located in Akron.
Billboard, July 24, 1920, pp. 38, 54, 55. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Earle Clyde DeGarro, member of the Three DeGarros, gymnastic act, and Carolina Oliver, non-professional of Detroit, Mich., were married at St. John's Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, Cal., July 7. The DeGarro Troupe was formerly with the Sells-Floto Circus and at present in is pictures.
Chas. Bartine, veteran showman, who died at his home in Connersville, Ind., July 9, entered the show business in 1865 with the Hooley's Minstrels as a black face comedian. He was also in the varieties, and later with the Sells Bros. Circus for several seasons. He also managed the Olympic Theater in Ft. Wayne, Ind. Later he managed his own circus, known as the Charles Bartine Consolidated Shows. He retired about eight years ago from the show world. Jack, Billy and Elva Bartine, children of Mr. Bartine, are in the dramatic business. In his early career Bartine was with the original Van Amburg Show, Madam Lake's Circus, Rice & Manning Minstrels and the United States Minstrels. His body was interred at Connersville.
John Van Arnam, circus man of Northville, N. Y., is organizing a show to be placed with the Empire State Shows, of which Joseph G. Ferari and George L. Dobyns are owners and managers.
John R. Van Arnam said he got disgusted and just closed his circus without any special ceremony. The scarcity of help retarded his plans, he said.
Frank Kelly writes that he left the Yankee Robinson Show July 13, and has joined Sells-Floto.
Charles Rube Boyd has recovered from a dislocated shoulder, received while with Cook Bros. Circus at Trenton, N. J., April 15. He is spending a few days with his brother, Al Boyd, at Lester, Pa., who retired from the circus business seven years ago.
Billboard, July 31, 1920, pp. 76, 77, 79. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Jack L. Rea, last season on Jimmy Beach's No. 1 advertising car of the Walter L. Main show, is now boss programmer on the advertising car of the Rhoda Royal Circus, at present in Kentucky.
Lindeman Brothers have been playing to good business since opening their show at Sheboygan, Wis., May __. Only one day has been lost on account of rain, and that at Ogema, Wis., June 28. Another truck was added to the show on June 21, which now makes eight one-ton trucks, one touring car and one trailer. The new Delco light plant has arrived. All sleeping and cook tents have electric lights. An air calliope is expected at any time. With the show are: Pete and Louise Nelson, aerialists; Billy and Milly Lindeman, equilibrists; Billy Burkard, contortionist; Joseph Toniutti, announcer and director of performance; Theo. Weber, producing clown; Albert Lindeman, trapeze artist and clown; Walter Kohls and his eight piece band. Walter Kohls will also play the calliope when it is received. Alvin Pantell has the candy stand; Norman Ligthart is boss of props, and Arthur Young and wife have the cookhouse. The show will be in Minnesota for five weeks, and will then go into Wisconsin.
The Great Keystone Show opened its 25th season early in May, and has been doing good business with the exception of three days when it rained. Manager Sam Dock is pleased with the business so far. C. Zeck has the side show, and also does a ring and trapeze act in the big show. Other performers include Ray Brison, Sara Brown, G. C. Norman, L. C. Knight and wife. Bright Jones, unafon player, was called home on account of sickness. Mr. Dock has contracted for a band of six pieces, which will join shortly. Wm. Taylor and wife are ahead of the show. There are fifteen people with the show.
Billboard, August 7, 1920, pp. 38, 54, 55, 56, 57. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
George Chapin and Ruby Orton, both of the John Robinson Circus, were married at Atlanta, Ga., March 30. The marriage was kept a secret until just recently.
Savoil LaStarr, aerial performer, and Nell Brown, tight wire artist, were married at Welch, W. Va., July 21, by the Rev. I. T. Pierce. This is LaStarr's eighth season with the Richards Bros. Show. The bride has also been a member of the Richards Show for three seasons.
Harry Wintermute, formerly of the Wintermute Bros. Shows, and Mrs. Lillian Buck, non-professional, were married at Chicago, July 10. A reception was tendered the couple at the Hebron Town Hall July 12. They will make their home on Mr. Wintermute's farm near Fort Atkinson, Wis.
Denver, July 29. Alonzo (Lon) Moore, famous clown, who was with the Sells-Floto Circus, lost his life on Tuesday morning of this week when an automobile in which he and other circus people were motoring to Buffalo Bill's grave, rolled off a 200 foot cliff in Bear Creek canyon, seven miles above Starbuck. Charles Hite, assistant manager of concessions of the Sells-Floto Shows was injured internally, badly cut and bruised, and may have suffered serious neck injuries. R. M. Hart, of this city, former circus man, has a broken arm and possible internal injuries. Mrs. Ruth Hart, his wife, has several bad cuts and bruises. Julius Pearse, president of the Julius Pearse Fire Supply Co., of Denver, and years ago a circus man, leaped as the automobile started down the embankment, and was unhurt.
Mr. Moore was 55 years of age. He leaves a widow and daughter in Defiance, O. He began his circus career nearly forty years ago, when still in his teens, according to his associates with the show. He traveled with wagon shows for many years. When the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus train was wrecked at Hammond, Ind., two years ago, Moore escaped with slight injuries, though his clothes were torn from his body. Moore was born in Brazil, Ind., but had made his home in recent years in Defiance, O. Charles Hite was in charge of the ice concession for the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show for years and joined the Sells-Floto last season. He is married and his home is in Ironton, Ohio.
C. P. Farrington, contracting agent for the Howe's Great London Shows, closed at Humboldt, Tenn., July 29.
Chicago, July 31. Edgar J. Ladd, formerly a clown with the John Robinson and other circuses, has been admitted to the Salvation Army as an officer, having graduated with a class of thirty-six, in Chicago, this week. Ladd was a member of the 122d Field Artillery during the world war and saw service at St. Miheil and in the Argonne.
The MaLoon Bros. New Model Shows changed hands at Coloma, Mich., July 26. Coonie MaLoon, sole owner and manager, sold the shows and the MaLoon title to Wm. (Irish) Atkinson, of Anniston, Ala. The show is in good territory and has been doing good business all season. This is its third season. Mr. Atkinson will enlarge the outfit in all departments. Mr. MaLoon will leave for home in a few days where other business requires his attention. The company will remain intact.
Frank T. Kelly writes that he is back on the Yankee Robinson Show, selling balloons.
Edward and Kitty Acker are still with the Rhoda Royal Circus, doing rings and traps.
Sam Freed joined the Howe Show at Hudson, N. Y., and is handling tickets in the big show.
Mr. and Mrs. George Spider are on the Yankee Robinson Show, George doing a clown act.
Sidney Johnson, an old circus trouper, is located at Marion, Ky., where he is operating the billposting plant.
L. Ray Choisser (Crazy Ray) has left the hospital, and is at present with the Wheeling Wharf Boat Co. as steam boat clerk.
Vernon Ott writes that he left the Christy Brothers Shows in Rosetown, Canada, and has joined the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Cosgrove, after two years in vaudeville, joined the Al G. Barnes Circus at Bloomington, Ill. Fred is in clown alley and the Mrs. at the calliope.
Ben Wolfman, who has been with the Coop & Lent Motorized Circus, Buffalo Bill-Jess Willard Show, 101 Ranch, Rhoda Royal, Oklahoma Ranch and other shows, is now engaged in the hosiery business in Washington, D. C.
J. Sam Houston, former circus trouper, is now in the feature picture business. Houston says he was at one time general manager of the Sells-Floto Show, being succeeded by Billy Sells. J. Sam also says he was general agent for the Gentry Shows at one time.
Albert Keller, who has had the privileges with the Sparks Show for the past seven years, left the show in Canada, and is now at his home in Eastport, Me., framing up a pit show to play the Maine fairs. "Slim" has been succeeded on the Sparks Show by J. W. (Doc) Walker. Charles Katz has taken the front of the pit show since "Slim" left.
The Honest Bill Shows are now in Kansas. At Wheatland, Mo., July 3, three shows were given to ring bank packed houses. At Warsaw, July 5, same big business. Lieutenant Wagner, with his airplane, joined at Bronson, Kan., working as a free act and carrying passengers. This is undoubtedly, the highest price free act ever given with an overland shows. Honest Bill has under consideration for next season two animal acts. - J. H. Blair
Mid-season finds the Lowery Bros. Show enjoying the best business through the coal fields of Pennsylvania. Mel J. Thompson is back on the job this season as equestrian director. Special mention should be made of the Grant Family of six, doing several turns, a feature of which is the contortion act of Willie Grant and his two children, Buddy and Erseline. Another feature is the ladder act of Frank Grant. Lou Grant, with his heel and toe catches on the single trapeze does a thrilling act. Others on the show are Anna Sunderland, with her troupe of dogs; Professor Eheler and his ponies; Tom Willard in a giant swing and Rube Smith, Pinkey Wilson and Little Tommy in clown alley. James O'Hara is superintendent of properties, and Allentown Joe has the canvas. Joseph M. Whalen has the eight piece band. Col. Mame Loftus is still in the cookhouse. The show expects to stay out until late in the fall.
No. 1 bill car of the Ringling Brothers-Barnum & Bailey Circus: George W. Goodhart, manager; Jim Donalson, press representative; Hime Mayer, program solicitor; billposters, Tom Connors, boss; Elmer Mahaffey, Charles Scanlon, George O'Connor, George Orth, George Bray, Charles Clauson, Charles Bates, George Haynes, John Haynes, George Pritchard, Oscar Dittinger, Edward Orth; lithographers, Paul Marr, boss; Abe Newberg, Doc Knowles, Lorin Knowles, George Moriarty, Edward Quick, Harry Serviss, George Shank, Edward Ritchie, John Emory.
Campbell Bros. Shows. Milton W. Jehu, brigade agent, came back on the advance at Quill Lake, Sask., Can., after a few weeks on the show. Jack Palmer, of the Christy Shows, joined the advance in Youngstown, Alberta. Pete Robillard, of Saskatoon; W. Gordon Ware, of Winnipeg, and George Hall, of Yorkton, are still on the advance.
The Lucky Bill Show is headed for the South. Business in Kansas has been good, writes Robert Woody. Fred Fisher, formerly with the Woody family band, has joined; aslo Bert Dearo, formerly with the Montana Bell Shows. Dearo is doing his acts in the big show. Jack Ridel recently enlarged his side show. On July 22 Walter Nelson was badly injured by a bronk, and is not able to appear in the show.
The Keystone Show has been in West Virginia for the past two weeks. Louie Knight has added a hoopla and cat rack, also has the tintype privilege. George W. Christie has joined the advance force. At McDowell, W. Va., but one show was given, rain interfered with the night performance. Claire Brison and Raymond Jr. have joined for a few weeks. Curvin Zeck added several animals to his side show at Springfield, W. Va. They included two badgers, Chinese dragon and and a two-horned rattlesnake. Zeck has also place a pit show, using a Spidora illusion. Claire Brison is working in the illusion and George Norman is in the ticket box. Mr. Dock purchased a black-and-white spotted pony, and is breaking it for a high school act. Herman Stepp is still with the show, selling reserved seat tickets. - H. R. Brison
Billboard, August 14, 1920, pp. 5, 38, 54, 55, 56, 57, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Rollo B. Amidon, musician, of Chicago, and Mabel Schrepfer, of Evansville, Ind., were married in Chicago July 22. Mr. Amidon has trouped with Neil O'Brien's Minstrels, Barnum & Bailey Circus, Kilties Band, and last season a member of the Al G. Field Minstrels.
K. Riley Mathuze, aerial performer, and Maude H. Vestal, non-professional, were married at the North Presbyterian Church, Winston-Salem, N. C., July 8. Last season Mr. Mathuze was a member of the Gentry Bros. Show, but this year is confining his bookings to fairs.
Lynn, Mass., Aug. 5. Thomas Quigley, well known to many of the circus profession and the son of Mrs. Cora Quigley, this city, who was a few weeks ago sent to Battle Hill Hospital, Roxbury, Mass., passed away a few days ago at that institution. He was 28 years of age, a member of the Billposters' Union and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mr. Quigley was employed by the Barnum & Bailey Shows for several years, and when the late war broke out was a member of that show's advance staff. Being in San Diego at the time he enlisted with the 245th Field Artillery of California, served two years in France and took part in several of the major battles, during which he was badly gassed. After the war he was in the employ of a local billposting plant at Boston.
Denver, Col., Aug. 4. Charles Hite, circus concessioner, who was injured in an automobile accident near Lookout Mountian recently, will recover, according to information given out by surgeons at the county hospital. He is suffering from a crushed chest and probable internal injuries.
Both the Hanneford Family, including the famous "Poodles," and the Cordona Troupe of aerialists, including Alfred Cordona, have been re-engaged with the Sells-Floto Circus for next season.
Waupun, Wis., Aug. 4. A number of performers and musicians with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Shows narrowly escaped serious injury or death here early yesterday morning when fire, said to have originated from a stove, spread through one of the sleepers. Some of the occupants, of which there were about thirty, received burns and bruises. The car, trunks and personal belongings of the occupants were destroyed.
Belated news reached The Billboard that Mrs. George (Florence Grace) Lowery passed away on July 23 at the Lowery home in the Haddon Apartments, Seattle, Wash. Mrs. Lowery, familiarly known as "Flossie," was born in Berlin, Somerset County, Pa., forty-three years ago. While quite young she became the wife of George Lowery, with whom she traveled for some twenty-five years, during which she and her husband became well known in both the indoor and outdoor show business, their activities embracing vaudeville, circus, museum exhibitions and nearly all the large expositions, including those held at Norfolk, Buffalo, Seattle, Chicago and others. She suffered a stroke of apoplexy last May and thought for a time her life was feared, she rallied and apparently regained her health, but she was unable to survive a second stroke on the day preceding her death. Funeral services were conducted in Seattle on Sunday, July 25, with interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. She is survived by her husband and father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Sorber, who still reside in Berlin, Pa.
Chicago, Aug. 6. Clarence Cottman, calliope player, has joined the Gentry Shows in Colorado for the balance of this season and next. Mr. Cottman claims to be one of the first calliope players to harmonize with a band. A brother, Carl Cottman, well known in the carnival and circus world, will manage a music publishing business in which both are interested in teh absence of Clarence.
J. H. Conley, side show man, has been in front of side shows since 1889.
Backman-Tinsch Shows have entered Kansas doing big business. The side show, with Geo. F. Donovan as announcer, has been packed. Eugene McKenna and his attraction, the "___ Pygmies," keep the natives entertained well before the big show opens. Mr. McKenna seems elated over the news of striking oil near one of his ranches in Sonora County, Tex. M. A. Dobson, a new addition to the band, is quite an artist on a trombone. Mr. Dobson plays a knockout hit in the after-show concert on his saxophone. Ray Wood and his gang of clowns, in their new number, "The Department Store," is one big laugh. Will Z. Smith, who was the company's steward all spring has left for the advance to assist Mr. Conly's crew. The writer is trying to hold down the position of steward for the time being. - Roy Ludington
Shropshire's All Motorized Circus, after having passed through a wet winter and spring season South of the Mason and Dixon line, is at present traveling northward in Kentucky and doing good business. The show has lost but two stands since opening on January 4. So far the show has traveled the roads of Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. The management has not used any horses in getting over a road or out of a mudhole. The show has a full crew of workingmen, and eight piece band. Thirty three people are on the roster. The Irwin Family, O. E. Duenweg and the Three Camerons, Scotch musical artists, are recent additions.
Arrangements are being completed for the Walter L. Main Shows in their entirety to play a season of from twelve to fifteen weeks of indoor dates. Two rings, a steel arena and an elevated platform will be used. Two advance cars will take care of the billing. The opening date is set for November 29. The cities to be played will embrace the larger ones in the South and East and all engagements will be for one week. Should the proposition to play eight weeks in the West be carried through, there will be a two weeks' layoff between the outdoor and the indoor season. Plans call for two bands to furnish the music, and not more than one parade a week is to be given. A limited number of concessions will also be carried and only the best in the way of pit and side show attractions.
Billboard, August 21, 1920, pp. 54, 55, 57. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
San Francisco, Aug. 11. The J. E. Henry Motor Truck Show has just completed a tour of all the towns on the Coast Highway from Los Angeles, and reports good business. Mr. Henry, who has been in the show business for many years and has toured in the East as well as the West, stated that his show will return to Southern California, by way of the San Joaquin Valley route. The show carries five motor trucks and trailers and also has a number of Shetland ponies.
It is reported that Al G. Barnes has added a new private car to his circus train, and also ordered four sleepers.
Geo. Everett, late producing clown with Cook Brothers, will join his brother, Gilbert, on the Eldridge & Coulon Shows. It is said George made a hit with his trained duck this season, that next season he expects to feature his little daugher, Elizabeth, in a dancing act.
James (Kid) Grayson writes that he joined C. L. Brown's Band on the Sells-Floto Circus at Kansas City to play in the band and manipulate the calliope. He says he has also been engaged for next season, when he will feature calliope in the big show program.
Sam Freed writes that he joined the Howe's Great London Shows at Hudson, N. Y., and closed at Coatesville Pa., to take the advance of Cook Bros. Texas Ranch 99 Show.
Jack Lombard, press agent, and Dave Corrall, general agent, of the Doris One-Ring Circus, are back in Boston after a short season. The show closed at Mansfield, Mass., on July 20, and shipped the animals, cages and elephants to Rocky Point, R. I., for the summer.
Canton, O., Aug. 12. Christian Bolus, 79, one of the best known circus men in the United States, died at his home here yesterday, following an illness of several weeks. Mr. Bolus for fifty-four years was associated with the leading circuses of the country in the capacity of lot superintendent and boss canvasman. He was a Civil War veteran, a member of Company E, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. During the time he was in the service was the only time he was not in the show game. Mr. Bolus trouped with the Pogey & O'Brien Circus 'way back in the seventies. Other circuses with which he as associated were Adam Forepaugh, Sells Brothers, John Robinson and Pawnee Bill. In recent years he was custodian at the G. A. R. Hall here. He is survived by three daughters, one of whom is Mrs. Anna Bolus Leichot, New York pianist, one son and two brothers. Funeral service will be held from his late home today (Thursday) and burial will be made here.
Danny London, acrobat, for many years of the team of Stirk and London, and for the past four years a member of the Four Comrades, acrobats, of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Shows, died on July 29 of tuberculosis at the Lakeville Hospital, Middleboro, Mass. Mr. London was 45 years of age. Interment was made in St. Patrick Cemetery, Brockton, Mass.
Billboard, August 28, 1920, pp. 54, 55, 56, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Old Jim Kincade, sixty years in the circus business, writes that he was injured while with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus. He was a clown on the show. Mr. Kincade says: "We had a long pull from the cars to the lot, and the six-horse driver could not handle the team. He asked me if I would not get on the wagon and help him out going down a steep hill. It was a big seat plank wagon. I put the chain on the wheel and got on the wagon to take the lead line. When we started down the hill the chain broke and the horses ran away and upsit the wagon in a ditch. I could not get off the load quick enough, and both my legs were buried under the planks and I was badly hurt. The doctor said when I get home he thought that blood poison might set in, and I must have one of my legs cut open and attended to. It will cost me about a hundred dollars, which I haven't got. There are a lot of friends who would be glad to help me out if they knew about my trouble. My address is __ East Main street, Columbus, O.
Chicago, Aug. 21. When Herman Hanson, veteran circus clown, his eyes not so keen as of old, his joints stiff and his voice nearly gone, limped over to look at the Ringling big top in Grant Park, be became poignantly sensible of the fact that after a time old muscles and bones begin to move backward. He thought of the futile efforts of the past five years to convince managers that he wasn't really worked out. Lingering alone in the outer fringe of the crowd, Herman made a resolve. Nobody observed the faded old man as he left the lot. In the old days he had done his work well, but the circus world had forgotten. Herman went painfully to the Municipal Pier and jumped into the lake. A lighthouse tender rescued him after a struggle and Herman was sent to the County Hospital.
Ed Quick closed with car No. 1 of the Ringling-Barnum Show in Chicago and is arranging to go out with a hall show.
Col. Victor F. Cody has added Chief Goodeye, an Indian rope spinner, to the Wild West concert with the Yankee Robinson Circus.
Jack Pfeiffenberger, side show boss canvasman, has closed with the Sells-Floto Show and is at home, Cincinnati, O. Earl Stratton has left the Ringling-Barnum car No. 1, and returned to his home in Philadelphia, where he is employed by the Cusack Co. Warren J. Sullivan, of the No. 3 advertising car, Ringling-Barnum, is in Boston after three months of trouping, now working for the Shubert Theater.
Doc Witham, formerly with J. R. Van Arnam's show, is now with the M. L. Clark & Sons Show, working dogs and ponies, which M. L. Clark recently purchased from Mr. Van Arnam.
Prof. H. H. Whittier, now directing the new Moose Greater Chicago Band, was for seven years director of Welsh Bros. Circus band. He has played in nearly all of the circus bands.
Charles Meetus, many years in the ticket department of the Buffalo Bill Show, is treasurer of the Casino Theater of Philadelphia.
Jack Baughman, advertising solicitor, has taken over the program publicity for the Casino, Bijou and People's theaters in Philadelphia. Jack was for nine years advertising solicitor for the Ringling Bros. Shows.
Abe Goldstein, the Charlie Chaplin clown, has left the John Robinson Circus and is now with Russell Bros. Shows. On his arrival on the show he met the Bedinis, formerly of the Robinson Shows, also Therese McAdams. The latter has her own concession on Russell Bros. The Damm Bros. are with Madam Bedini's Circus, doing a comedy acrobatic act.
Fred Newton and son, Fritz, known as the human airplane, will retire from the road, having lost all of their wardrobe trunks in going from Trenton, N. J., to Syracuse, N. Y., to join the John Van Arnam Railroad Circus June 21. After staying in Syracuse two weeks they had to close with the show and go back home. The express company is making every effort to find the trunks and rigging boxes. Should the Newton get their trunks by November 15, they will be able to fill an engagement with the Lowande & Gardner Show for forty weeks in South America and the West Indies.
Morgantown, W. Va., Aug. 20. J. W. Griner, of Tampa, Fla., who was accidently knocked off Sparks Circus train between ___ and Fairmont, W. Va., and luckily landed in a stream fifty-five feet below, is now able to be about, holding down a job at present. He was private groom for Melvin Hollis, a Roman rider on the Sparks Circus. Griner was on the Sun Bros. Shows in 1913, Rose Kilian Show in 1916 and part of '17. He has also worked on the Smith Greater Shows, and this season opened with Polack Bros. 20 Big Shows in Jacksonville, Fla., joining Sparks in Atlanta.
Lowande's American Shows played Reading, Mass., August 9, to big business. The canvas is all new from dressing room to horse tent. Mrs. Oscar Lowande has charge of the front door, Elsie Lowande the ticket wagon, and Oscar Lowande Jr. is equestrian director. Cuba has the lights and Blackie Welch the canvas. The show has six horses, four trucks, four wagons, two touring cars, and carried thirty-five people.
Henry Brown, performer with the Sells-Floto Circus, was taken ill at Tulsa, Ok., and removed to the hospital in that city, where he died August 12.
George Dayton, professionally known at George Lamar, died at the St. Paul Hospital, Vancouver, B. C., August 9. His body was shipped to his sister at Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He had been ill but a few days. Lamar was a clown with the John Robinson Circus for many years.
Otis L. Gothard, of the Gothard Trio, acrobats and wire performers, died August 15 in Detroit, from injuries received when an automobile struck him in that city. His remains were laid to rest at Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington, W. Va., his home town. Mr. Gothard was well known in the show world, having been connected with many circuses and musical comedies. He was 34 years old and unmarried.
Frank Fabrigan, 58, a native of New Orleans, died in Houma, La., August 18, of pneumonia. Mr. Fabrigan was well known as a musician in his younger days, having traveled extensively with circuses, and later conducted several bands in the State.
Jim Nugent, who for years had been in charge of the trapping wagon with the Al G. Barnes Circus, was killed recently at St. Charles, Mo., just as the train was leaving the city. It stopped on a trestle and Nugent, who had been asleep, not aware that the train was on the trestle, stepped off the platform and plunged over 100 feet to the tracks below. His body was sent to his sister at Corry, Pa., for burial.
Billboard, September 4, 1920, pp. 54, 55, 57, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Howe's Great London Shows has a successful tour of Canada and the New England States. At Troy, O., on August 9, the show had two capacity houses. The entire show has been fitted out with new parade trappings, uniforms, etc. The big show has been strengthened by the addition of several feature acts, including the Kelly-La-Tell Troupe, iron jaw, ladder swinging and wire walking act. The Robins Family, with the little Robin, is winning applause with the acrobatic and contortion act. Eddie Limoges is producing clown. The Wallett Family is presenting a beautiful equestrian act. Other well-known acts with the show include the Ben Hassan Troupe of acrobatd, Coy Herndon, hoop roller, and Charles Dryden, barrel jumper. Vernon Reaver is assistant manager. Jimmie Albanese the treasurer, and Charlie Mugivan in charge of the front door. The latter acts as purchasing agent. John Dusch is band leader. Pop Sweeney is equestrian director, and Joe Metcalf presides over the menagerie. Tom Tucker is lot superintendent. Harry Sells is in charge of the canvas, assisted by Jim Regan. Harry Miller has charge of lights. Aug. Crist is trainmaster. Tom ___ is in charge of the stock, and E. H. Zierath in charge of the props.
C. P. Curran is manager of the side show. He has the following attractions: Prof. Proctor and his Dixieland Minstrels; Prof. Farrel, magician; Proctor's Concert Band; Fred Palmer, comedy juggler; George LaDell and his Punch and Judy show; Chas. Diamond, harpist, late of the Barnum Show; Mrs. Fay Curran, mind reader; Lady Lenore and her reptiles; Capt. Joe Metcalf and his untamable lion, Nero; Millie Milo and her oriental dancers, and Prof. Wilson, ventriloquist. Charles Curran has also taken over the Zaza pit show. Kirk Johnson is handling the show for Curran, and Ed Smith is handling the tickets. Tim Carey is in charge of the cookhouse. - I. D. Newman
The Atterbury Bros. Circus continues to do good business in Minnesota. At Parkers Prairie Ed Rinaldo, contortionist, and Kid Bennett, musical artist, joined out. Joe Bonhomme, producing clown, and the three other joeys have been fishing and treating the company with some fine fish dinners. The show will remain in Minnesota until September, then make one long jump into Mississippi and open in the Cotton Belt for a tour that will continue all winter. - W. A. Allen
Washington C. H. O., Aug. 25. Joe Coyle, clown with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, left here August 22 for Cincinnati, where he will receive treatment for injuries sustained in an accident met with last Saturday at Ironton, O. Coyle was in the act of leading the parade, riding on his small bicycle, when he was run down by a large automobile truck and dragged 20 feet before the truck could be stopped. Coyle was taken to the hospital. He recovered and instisted on taking part in the afternoon and night performances. On Sunday, at Washington C. H., physicians advised him to go to Cincinnati for treatment. During his absence his work as postmaster for the show is being done by "Bill" Hart, another member of clown alley.
Harry F. Robbins, who has followed the big top all his life, writes that he is confined to the State Tuberculosis Hospital at Kearney, Neb., and is badly in need of assistance, and appeals to his friends for aid. His letter follows: "Mother and I were on the road for years. Mother's name was Mrs. Ed Button, of Grand Rapids, Mich., stage name, Millie Viola, iron jaw lady or female Sandow. She worked with Rice & Barton, Ringling Bros. and other shows. My father, Ed Button, was with Primrose and West, Lew Dockstader and others. Both mother and father are dead. I am 41 years old and for more than a year have been troubled with tuberculosis. I have followed the big tops all my life. Have worked the props for Charley Miller, with Ringling Bros. Show, also with shows, fairs and carnivals. I am a prop man by was not able to work either this or last summer. I need money so I can go to Denver for my health. Have never had to ask for help before." Upon inquiry The Billboard received the following from the superintendent of the hospital: "Mr. Robbins came in here about two months ago more dead than alive. He is suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and confined to bed most of the time. He has improved quite a little, but still has lots of trouble with his lungs. He is also quite badly crippled in his wrists and ankles, due to some form of arthritis. We do not believe that he has any money except what small amounts his friends have given him."
W. A. Klienpeter, clown, joined the Howe Shows at Union City, Tenn. Ladaer-Warner Trio has left the Howe Shows on account of illness of Mr. Warner. Frank Carey, boss of ring stock, joined the Howe Shows at Martinsville, Ind., from Birmingham, Ala. Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Knight and Paul joined the Howe Shows at Brownsville, Tenn. Mr. Knight will also be featured in the clown band. W. J. Langer, bounding rope artist, left the Howe Shows at Wapakoneta, O., to play fair dates, but will return to the show after the fair season is over.
John S. Short, clown, and Helen L. Haskell, acrobat, were recently married in Detroit, Mich.
Harry Bernhardt, ticket taker on the side show of the Yankee Robinson Circus, is again back with the show after a week of illness. Roe E. Smith, tattooed boy, is one of the attractions in the side show of Yankee Robinson.
Charles L. Smith, cornet and calliope player, closed with the Walter L. Main Show August 1, and joined Kibble's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" Company for the winter season.
After leaving the Rice Bros. Shows at Winkler, Can., W. H. Miles, Dan Kelley, Ruth and Ed Yagla joined the Yankee Robinson Show.
The Wild West, including John Kirk and wife, Jesse Carpenter and wife, Indian Joe and young McKinley, left the Howe Shows at Troy, O. The Howe Shows will put on an old-fashioned concert, with Louis Pargantas and Peter Denatroff, wrestlers, as the feature.
Because of a bridge collapsing with one of the cookhouse wagons of the Sells-Floto Circus, thus barring the route to the lot, no exhibition by that organization was given in Guthrie, Ok. Four of the eight horses pulling the wagon remained on the ground, one of the other was killed, and Bill Leeman, the driver, was badly cut and bruised.
The Richards Bros. Shows are now touring the coal fields of West Virginia and generally doing ring-bank business. The show played day and date with the Eph Williams Greater Minstrels at Mt. Calm, both on the same lot and to big business. "Rope" Linsey, of El Paso, Tex., joined at Prosperity. A shipment of bronchos for the Wild West was received at Bluefield. Neil Gordon and Allen Davis are still on the No. 1 advance car. Alex Ingram, Tom Haley and Jack Craig have the pit show. Harry Steel is still in charge of the big show top. Some of the principal acts of the show are: W. C. Richards, hurdle ponies and six riding monkeys; Tom Haley, light and heavy balancing; Flying LaStarr, loop walking and combination return act; Kitty Mae Irwin, flying contortion rings; Mrs. W. C. Richards and her Arabian horse, Starlight, doing menage act; Mr. and Mrs. Savli LaStarr, tight wire. The show intends touring the Southern part of Ohio, also Kentucky, before closing the season.
The Lucky Bill Show is in Oklahoma, playing to good business. Curly Shrell joined on August 3. He is in charge of the stock and his wife appears in the parade. Robert Woody, of the Woody Troupe, was injured the latter part of July while doing his acrobatic act, and has been compelled to remain out of the act. Johnnie Logan and wife left August 13 to join another show. Walter Nelson, injured some time ago by a bronk, has returned to the ring and is working the ponies and elephant act again. Fred Fisher, formerly baritone player on the Boone Show with the Woody Family, has joined the Lucky Bill Show. Roy Newton, Lucky's youngest son, has joined and has taken charge of one of the truciks, and is also boss machinist. - Robert Woody
Lowery Bros. Shows are playing their 14th week in Eastern Pennsylvania to big business. At Coleraine, Pa., August 11, showed to capacity business. At 2 a.m., August 12, a coal mine under the lot caved in, taking some of the outfit with it. Everything was recovered and no loss sustained. One larger breech opened three feet from the sleeping tent No. 7, occupied by Mel J. Thompson and wifre. At Stockton on August 13-14, the show was on a lot where a house with six occupants fell into a mine. At Tazelbrook, Mr. Thompson left for his home in Durham, N. C. The Great Rossi joined at Jeddo, doing juggling and balancing traps. At McAddo, the band serenaded Jimmie Brennan, formerly of this show, but now retired from the business. Jimmie visited the Grant Brothers for three days and some great tales were told around the camp fire at night, they having been together with this show in 1901-'2-'3.
Lindeman Bros. Show is back in Wisconsin after five weeks in Minnesota. The Tangley air calliope was received at Prior Lake, Minn., and Walter Kohls is getting wonderful music out of it. The show now carries six trucks, one touring car, Delco light plant, a six piece band, ten performers and four working men. Business has been good all season. The show will close at Howards Grove, Wis., on Sept. 25 and run into Sheboygan, Wis., on Sept. 26 for the winter.
Nelson H. Howard, billposter with Forepaugh, Barnum & Bailey, and other circuses, died at his home in St. Louis, August 20. He was 60 years of age and leaves a widow, two sons and two daughters. He was a member of the Billposters and Billers' Union, Local No. 5.
Billboard, September 11, 1920, pp. 92, 93. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Busines with the Great Sanger Circus continues excellent. The show is now in the mountains of North Carolina. The big show program is under the direction of Arthur Berry, equestrian director, his second seasons with this show. Roy Hagg joined as legal adjuster at South Pittsburg, Tenn., August 14. Jack Malone, who was with the show last season, joined the same day, making a jump from Cranbrook, B. C., where he closed with the Cristy Bros. Circus. After the matinee at Ripley, Tenn., recently, a cigarette carelessly dropped on the ground started a fire near the big top, which burned a section of the round end. The blaze was extinguished by Frank Zarro, assistant equestrian director, and Soldier Johnson, who were on the lot at the time. No performances were lost. The big show band of twelve pieces is under the direction of Prof. John Griffin. The side show is managed by H. Highland, who recently closed with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. He was with the Great Sanger Show last season, but spent the past spring and summer with the H.-W. Circus. He is assisted by Prof. Smith. Les D. Sturgeon, superintendent of privileges, received a new top for his outside stand. He will again winter at Oakland, Cal., after the season closes. Claude Jarbo, who has been 24-hour man for the past several weeks, is back with the show again, handing out red paste boards in the big ticket wagon. Pete Loftus is one of the principals in clown alley. - Soldier Johnson
At Marianna, Ark., August 23, the Howe's Great London Shows did capacity business. The Three Camerons, Scotch band and musical novelty act from Hopkinsville, Ky., joined at this point. Cora Sherman, who has been on the sick list, returned to the oriental department. Willie Blackwell, from Memphis, Tenn., joined at Forrest City, and is in the oriental department. Fred Faber has been busy breaking in monks for his Cuban trip. - Edw. J. Limoges
Spider Green writes that he is chef on the Walter L. Main Circus for the balance of the season.
Doc Reimer, trap drummer on the Walter L. Main Show last season, is now located at the Powers Theater, Caribou, Me.
Roland Douglas, formerly of the Sells-Floto Circus advance, is now heading the advertising department for the Texas Cotton Palace Exposition at Waco, Tex.
Carson and Campbell, rifle shots and knife throwers, severed connections with the Al G. Barnes Circus, and are now working fair dates.
Billboard, September 18, 1920, pp. 54, 55. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The southern trip of the Walter L. Main Shows is proving a success. Fletcher Smith has the front door now. New horse tops have been added, making all the canvas on the lot new. Two new cars, one a stateroom and the other a Pullman sleeper, have been added to the train. This makes eight coaches that are carried with the train. "Gov" Downie is making plans for the winter circus and has many feature acts engaged.
The B. L. Wallace Greater Shows was organized in Indianapolis, Ind., August 15, under the laws of Indiana. Officers are: B. L. Wallace, Peru, Ind.; C. W. Rollinson, Indianapolis; T. J. Brokaw, New York City. Mr. Rollinson is a prominent attorney and business man. T. J. Browkaw is a broker and financier, with offices in Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo. B. L. Wallace was treasurer of the Wallace Shows and Hagenbeck-Wallace Show for twenty odd years when these shows were under the management of B. E. Wallace. B. L. Wallace is the only one of the family of Peru showmen of that name new in active show business. B. E. Wallace, the founder and former owner of the Wallace Shows, remains in Peru, Ind., looking after his large land and other varied interests. Miss R. Stephens, newspaper reporter and short story writer, will have charge of the publicity department during the winter. Offices are in Indianapolis.
Through compliment to Les Zerados, aerialists, lately returned from a tour with the Shipp & Feltus Circus, Karyle Zerado, impersonator and originator of the novelty act, "Egypta," will be known in the future as Gypsy Gibson.
Billy Sobel, who sold tickets with Sells-Floto Show for several years, is now treasurer of the Pantages Theater in Denver.
Sig Sautelle, veteran showman, is with Swafford's Tent Show in New England, as general superintendent.
A. B. Christie, known as "Forepaugh Whitie," is in Boston connected with the Donnelly Billposting Co.
W. C. Boyd, formerly general agent of the Great Forepaugh & Sells Brothers Circus, now lives in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he is engaged in a commercial line.
John Robinson Circus. Joe Smith and James Seagal left the John Robinson Shows at Boise, Id., to make some fairs. George King has taken charge of the blue reserved seat ticket wagon, replacing Joe Smith. Marie Stevens departed at Pocatello, Id., having been called to the bedside of her mother in Wabash, Ind. A. B. (Judge) Palmer rejoined the show at Ogden. Frank Sweeney, assistant to H. Stevens, left the show at Ogden. Don Wilson, of Colorado Springs, visited Frank Beatty, who has charge of the candy stands. Mr. Wilson was with Mr. Beatty on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show for many years as cashier of the candy department. Margaret and Jess Fiedler rejoined the show at Pueblo. They opened with the show in the spring, but were compelled to leave on account of Mrs. Fiedler's health. Jess is selling tickets for the big show, while Margaret is working in the kid show.
Billboard, September 25, 1920, pp. 56, 57, 59. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Business continues good with Howe's Great London Shows. The show is back in Arkansas for five more stands and then goes into Texas. Mrs. Dan Odom and son, Danny Jr., left recently for Notre Dame College, Danny's third year in college. The show lost one of its camels which died while in parade at Charleston, Mo. Princess Pae, snake charmer, and her husband, Leo Tullis, joined the show at Bald Knob, Ark. Tullis has charge of the reserve seat tickets. Mr. Curran has engaged Ray and Mrs. Bell Crum, late of the Sells-Floto Shows, who are handling the outside pit attraction.
Fletcher Smith, who has been press agent for the past twelve years with the Sparks Shows, left at Madisonville, Ky., and joined the Walter L. Main Shows at Eldorado, Ill.
B. L. Wallace, of the Wallace Greater Shows, was in Cincinnati calling on some wagon builders. The show will travel by trucks exclusively, using no trailers. This will be about a forty-truck show, trucks ranging from two and one-half to five-ton capacity.
W. H. (Billy) Selvage, general contracting agent for the Sparks Circus, closed at Elberton, Ga., and will jump direct to his home in Morristown, N. J. He expects to spend the winter at River Styx, Lake Hopateong, N. J., supervising the erection of a bungalow he is having erected at that place.
Jim Quinton, years ago treasurer of the John Robinson Circus, died in Cincinnati on September 12. He had been connected with the revenue office in the Queen City.
Clarence Auskings, general agent for Campbell Bros. Shows, writes that the show is playing in California and going to Old Mexico this winter.
The Woody Family, formerly with the Lucky Bill Show, is now with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, doing its acts in the big show and playing in the clown band.
Lindeman Bros. advertising car No. 1 has closed and is in Sheboygan, Wis., for the winter. The show will close at Greenbush, Wis., on September 25, and on the following day go into winter quarters.
Joe Rice writes that he will have a sixteen wagon show on the road next season, having his own baggage stock (thirty-five horses). He is now in Kansas City, Mo., negotiating for show property. The show will play one and two-day stands.
F. L. (Toy) Wallace, late of the clown team of Stoddard and Wallace, who have been with the Hagenbeck-Wallace, Sparks, Gollmar Bros., John Robinson and many other circuses, is now sales manager for Quayle & Son, jewelers, of Albany, N. Y.
Jack Pringle, former Barnum & Bailey clown, is now an architect. He is one of the assistant architects designing settings for motion pictures.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lovine, who were with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, left that show recently and are now with Gentry Bros. Shows. Frank is selling tickets on the side show, and his wife is a dancer in the kid show.
Sig Sautelle, veteran showman, who had out his own show for many years, is with the Perry-Gorman Attractions, doing his famous Punch and Judy act.
L. R. Choisser (Crazy Ray himself), the calliope maniac, formerly associated with the Mugivan and Bowers shows, closed the season September 19 with the excursion steamer, "Verne Swain," at Wheeling, W. Va., where he will be married on September 27 to Alice E. Winston (Five musical Winstons), of the Winston-Ray Company.
Cole Bros. Shows are back in the States after a prosperous season through Western and Eastern Canada. The show entered Canada on May 23 and left that country September 12, the first stand in the States on their return trip being Huntington, N. Y., September 13. The show will be in New York State for a few stands then go into Pennsylvania, Delaware, the Virginias, and to go South for the winter. It will stay out until Christmas. Frank Anders, legal adjuster, has invested in a farm. Roy Chambers with his clarinet is a new addition to Bressler's Concert Band. - Sid Kridello
Will King, colored employee of the Ringling-Barnum Show, died recently at Springfield, Ill., from injuries received when struck by an automobile. The remains are held at Kirlin & Egan's undertaking rooms in Springfield, pending work from relatives in Weatherton, Md.
Billboard, October 2, 1920, pp. 56, 57, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
New York, Sept. 22. During a recent call at the Billboard office Alexander A. Lowande stated that the firm of Lowande & Gardner Show Company had been dissolved, and that on August 19 a partnership had been formed between him and Oscar Lowande. The new firm, according to Mr. Lowande, will be known as Lowande Bros. Circus, and it will sail on November 17 from New York for San Juan, Porto Rico, for a tour of twenty-four weeks as follows: Twelve weeks in Porto Rico, six in San Domingo and six in the Panama Canal Zone. All people have been engaged, forty-five in all; twenty-eight performers and a twelve piece, all male brass band. The circus will be one ring with two stages under a hundred foot round tip, with two forties. No side or pit show will be carried.
The winter quarters of the Sells-Floto Circus at Denver, Col., have undergone a complete process of renovation and two new buildings built. One of the new structures is fifty by twenty-nine feet in dimension and the other fifty by twenty-four feet, the estimated cost of them in the neighborhood of $15,000.
Bob Hanley, former clown on the Yankee Robinson Circus, is reported as now being in the dance hall game at Kansas City, Mo.
Leahy Bros., comedy ring gymnasts, late of Cook Bros. Circus, joined DeRue Bros. Minstrels at Dover, Me.
Joe and Pete Michen, acrobats, aerialists, equilibrists and posturers, a principal attraction at the amateur circus "Saw Dust Circle," have joined the Walter L. Main Shows for the balance of the season.
Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Bonhomme have closed with the Van Housen Show. Mrs. Bonhomme has purchased the Bartlett Hotel at Bartlett, Kansas. Mr. Bonhomme has joined the Howe's Great London Shows to do his light and heavy balancing act.
Seth Tracey, trombonist this season with Gentry Bros., has returned home in Great Falls, Mont., to attend to sending his children to school. He has again taken up his profession as a barber.
Nellie Terry, formerly of the vaudeville team of Terry and Elmer, became the wife, June 2, of "Snapper" Garrison, for thirty-two years a circus clown and for fifteen years with The Denver Post.
Charles Kelley, for twelve years boss canvasman with the Yankee Robinson Circus, age about 50 years, died September 10, in Memorial Hospital, Des Moines, Ia., where he had been a patient since last June with cancer of the stomach. The funeral was held September 12, in Granger, Ia. Mr. Kelley's home was in Danbury, Conn. He is survived by Joe Kelley, head porter on the Yankee Robinson Shows, and a sister, in Danbury.
Billboard, October 9, 1920, pp. 56, 58, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Massillon, O., Sept. 28. The Evans motorized Dog and Pony Circus, owned by J. J. Evans which took the road from here early last May, carrying fifteen trucks and thirty head of stock, together with twenty-eight performers, closed a most disastrous season last week at East Palestine, O. Evans told The Billboard representative here that he lost an average of two to three stands a week because of the help shortage, inability to get truck drivers and the continued rainy weather. Evans is now playing fairs and has a repertoire of seven free acts. He still has contracts for presenting Daniel, the horse with the human brain, at fairs. His offering is a performance by dogs, high school horses and monkeys.
The Christy Bros. Shows encountered a storm at Augusta, Ark., and the side show tops were blown down. There was no damage to property. However, Mrs. Burt Dennes, wife of the equestrian director, formerly of the Al G. Barnes Circus, suffered the effects of a stroke of lightning and was badly burned while on her way to the lot for the afternoon performance.
Robert M. Rae who handled the canvas on the side shows of the Yankee Robinson Cricus closed with the show in Stillwater, Ok.
Gilbert Harland, trouper and musician, returned from his season abroad and is now with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows in the Carolinas.
Walter Allen, formerly animal trainer and elephant man, who was for years with the Gentry Bros. Shows, has quit the business for good. He is an undertaker at Bloomington, Ind., in business with his brother.
Arthur Damm, of the Famous Damm Brothers, comedy acrobats, closed with the Russell Bros. Shows at Aledo, Ill., September 18. The Damm Brothers were working for the Bedini French Circus. Adam says he will likely remain home the coming season, as Joe Damm goes with the Bedinis on their vaudeville tour.
C. L. Alderfer, well-known circus man, was in Cincinnati last week on business. Mr. Alderfer, who in 1918 sold his entire show, the Great Alderfer Shows, is now superintendent the Maloon Bros. Shows, an overland organization, transported on ten wagons, and which has been playing Michigan all summer. The program presents acts of varied nature, also trained dogs and ponies. The show is now in Southern Ohio, headed South, and intends remaining out all winter.
James Wesley Conklin, 59, executive with circuses, including Ringling Bros., Campbell Bros., Barnum & Bailey, and later owner of the Clark & Conklin Shows, and the past two seasons legal adjuster with the H. W. Campbell United Shows and Famous Broadway Shows, died of heart failure in the Brunswick Hotel, Lancaster, Pa., late Tuesday afternoon, September 28, during the engagement of the Famous Broadway Shows at Lancaster Fair. He was a resident of Woonsocket, R. I., where he was formerly a proprietor of the Family Theater. Funeral services were conducted by the Elks, of which he was a member, in an undertaking parlor at Lancaster, October 1. Interment was at Newburg, N. Y. He is survived by his wife, Ella, and one son, Patrick, both of whom were with him at the time of this death.
Billboard, October 16, 1920, pp. 56, 57, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Campbell Bros. (two-car) Circus went into California in September, and has been playing to big business. The show will go into winter quarters near Riverside, Cal., about December 1. Manager Campbell will take out an eight or ten-car show next season provided the railroad rates do not increase, and if they do, this will be a wagon show. Campbell Bros. have the same show that they started with at North Little Rock, Ark., last April. Not one has gone away except Tom Moss, who left the show in Canada.
Myhre's One-Ring (Motor) Circus closed the tour at Kensett, Ia. The Aerial Hansens joined the Mysterious Smith Show. A. (Jolly) Duffy has signed with the Al Markham attractions. Charlie Paul left for his home at Elgin, Minn. Ed and Blanche are taking a few weeks' layoff before opening their house show. Al Sigsbee left for Milwaukee for a short visit with his relatives before making the Southern fairs. The management has purchased new winter quarters at Grand Meadow, Minn., and Peter Weinkauf will be in charge.
The Atterbury Bros. Wagon Show jumped from Lyle, Minn., to Jackson, Tenn., a distance of 800 miles. The movement was made without any accidents, the animals and stock having ample supplies of water and feed aboard the train for the lengthy trip. The show will make a tour of the South, remaining out all winter, and will return North in the spring. Bert Eitel and family joined at Jackson. All performers who joined the show for a year will return with it on its northward trip when the winter season closes. - W. A. Allen
Joe Lewis of Omaha, the clown with the mule, who was with the Ringling Show for four seasons, is now in the garage business.
Sylvia Barrett (presumably the former Sylvia B. Young) writes that she has received her final decree and is now divorced from Walter E. Young.
Frank B. Hubin now has a postcard business in Pleasantville, N. J.
Sydney Wire, publicity man, passed through Cincinnati last week en route to take up his duties with the Superior Shows. He has been with carnival organizations all season.
A. S. Conlon advises that he has turned over his interests in the small Eastern wagon show to Art Eldridge, and en route to his home in Louisville, Ky. After a brief stay at home, he joined the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus in Kentucky.
Frank C. Cooper, widely known circus agent, died at the hospital in Booneville, Miss., Sunday, October 10. Mr. Cooper had worked with circuses in such capacities as railroad contractor, press representative and general agent. Some of the shows with which he traveled were Yankee Robinson, Two Bills, Young Buffalo, Coop & Lent and this season as press representative with the John Robinson Circus.
Thomas O'Hara, 57, tight rope walker, juggler and later circus manager, died at his home at Canastota, N. Y., recently. O'Hara when 16 ran away from home and joined a circus. He learned to walk the rope and later joined Forepaugh's Show as a dog trainer. After that he was manager of several carnivals and circuses.
Billboard, October 23, 1920, pp. 58, 59, 60, 61, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 13. B. L. Wallace and C. W. Rollinson have returned from Wabash, Ind., where the were in consultation with ___. The capacity of the trucks to be used by the B. L. Wallace Greater Shows and length of chassis were gone over and the Service Motor Truck Co. was in a position to figure intelligently, having had previous experience along circus lines. The trucks will run from 1 1/2 ton for the advance, to 2 1/2 and 3 ton trucks back with the hsow, and will all carry an underload, a novel idea. Each truck will be equipped with a hook rope, block and fall, etc. Should any of the trucks go dead the one ahead will have the power to bring it in. No trailers whatsoever will be used. Performers and musicians will sleep at hotels, eat on the lot and come through each morning in specially built carry-alls, holding 26 people each. The performance will be of the old-fashioned, one-ring variety, with the usual side shows.
Joe Rice, old showman, writes The Billboard from Norfolk, Va., that he was about to leave that city for Kansas City, and that he and his father are going on the road next season with a fifteen wagon show, carrying about thirty-two horses, and in addition to the big show, a side show and a pit show. He states that the show will give no parades, and while they will own their own ring stock, the ponies, cage animals and hay stock will be rented. The show, according to Mr. Rice, will be all new, including complete canvas.
Massillon, O., Oct. 14. J. J. Evans, who recently closed his motorized circus, told The Billboard representative here this week that he will enter vaudeville, offering his well-known performing horse, "Prince, the horse with the human brain." He will open late this month at Wheeling, Va. He will continue to maintain his training quarters here.
John L. (Pal) Loveland has closed his season with the Sells-Floto Circus, and is at Detroit.
Lou Bishop, late of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, has joined the Sparks Circus for the balance of the season.
Charles C. Spaulding, late of circuses, has been pushing sales with his recent invention, a new fangled powder puff, at fairs and celebrations.
Albert Gaston, veteran clown, closed with the Gentry Shows and is to open his season of indoor circuses with an event by the Catholic Women's League, at the Coliseum, St. Louis, commencing November 1.
Chick Reid, clown, late of the Rhoda Royal Shows, is at home in Mt. Olive, N. C.
R. F. Hayes, who has been connected with the advertising departments with various shows, is now ahead of Gentry Bros. Shows, as special agent. At the close of the season he will be associated with the Houston Billposting Co.
Claire Illington, female impersonator and classic dancer, closed his summer season on carnivals, and is at home in Divernon, Ill. Claire has been with several circuses during his twelve years' experience on the road.
Col. Phil DeCoupe, circus side show operator, is now at his home near Harrodsburg, Ky., after a season with the Golden War Trophy Exhibit. Mrs. DeCoupe is known as Nora, the Musical Midget.
Palmer Robinson, formerly one of the agents with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, who has been acting as agent for the Harvey Minstrels, was forced to depart suddenly for his home at Perry, Ia., last week, because of serious heart trouble.
J. C. ("Pogie"-"Father") O'Brien writes that he is out of the hospital. He had his leg broken while with the Sells-Floto Circus. Also that "Baldy" Tinly is in Kansas City and that "Fat" Lemmon got a wire to join the Yankee Robinson Circus in Coalgate, Ok. O'Brien claims 40 years' experience in the circus business, and served as "kid worker" with Al G. Barnes all during the war.
Charles Bernard has closed with the Rhoda Royal Show, and is back with the Sparks Circus.
Billy Reid, clown, has been discharged from a hospital in Memphis, where he underwent an operation for blood poisoning, caused by a scratch from a rusty nail. It was necessary to amputate one of his legs below the knee.
Van Lewis, circus cornetist, last with the Cole Bros. Shows, is now at Birmingham, Ala., playing with a jazz orchestra.
Johnny Parker, who used to feed 'em with the Sun Bros. Circus, and who had the reserved seat tickets early this season with the Main Shows, is still playing the Carolinas with his own wagon show, and is making sufficient "kale" to ensure a pleasant winter at Norfolk, Va.
Earl Johnson, who did about everything with the Rentz Bros. Show, from fixing to feeding the bunch, making announcements and side show openings, is a comer with his own show and next season will discard trucks for two cars.
New York, Oct. 12. Robert Cottrell, of the Cottrell-Powells, is in town for the first time in eight years. He has concluded his engagment with the Sells-Floto Circus, and sails for Cuba to open with the Pubillones' Circus.
San Francisco, Oct. 13. The Escalante Bros. Shows have just completed a successful return engagement here. Featured among the Escalante offerings are Stella Escalante, four years and three months old, single trapeze and tumbling; "Dynamite" Edwardo Escalante, eleven years, single and double trapeze, tumbler and acrobat; Filameno Escalante, eleven years, tight and slack wire performer and tumbler; Alex Aciveda, tight and slack wire; Aurora Aciveda, tight and slack wire, trapeze, juggling and tumbling; Mariara Escalante, trapeze and clown; Marcos Escalante, clown; Pedro Escalante, rings, ladder and animal trainer; Angela Escalante, contortionist, tumbling and revolving trapeze; Amporo Escalante, double trapeze, tumbler, singer, dancer, iron jaw; Flamin Oliva, tumbler and acrobat; Eloida Escalante, six years, singer, dancer, tumbling; Nikola Azeara [Azcara?], tumbling, hand balancing; Roja Family, acrobats, ladders, hand balancing, iron jaw; Lorenzo Azeara, bandmaster, with a 16 piece band and orchestra; Cruz Azcara, in charge of stage productions, and Bonita Mejica, acrobat, juggler, tumbler, trapeze and iron jaw. Mariano Escalante is the proprietor of the show.
Charles L. Fowler (Charlie), veteran clown, well known to followers of the circus profession, especially of those of years ago, passed away on September 24 at Marshalltown, Ia. Mr. Fowler had been an inmate of the Old Soldiers' Home at Marshalltown for some time. He was eighty years of age, and is survived by numerous relatives, among whom is Florence Currie, now of Lander, Wyoming.
It seems now that the Lowande & Gardner Circus Combined will make its trip to the West Indies, as originally planned, as to name, route and equipment. According to Alexander A. Lowande and Oscar Lowande, the show will sail on a Porto Rican line steamer for San Juan, from Brooklyn, November 25. The canvas will include, besides a big top, equipment for a mammoth pit show. Thirty-three people will leave on the first boat, and seven will follow, including members of a 10 piece American band.
A. G. (Andy) McGill, died at Denver, Col., October 9, of lung trouble. He was well known with circuses, including Barnum & Bailey, John Robinson and Sells-Floto.
W. Court Savage, veteran musician and comedian, died October 3, following a lingering illness from lead poisoning, at McConnelsville, O. In 1880 he was a member of the Miles Orton Circus, and later with the Walter L. Main Shows. He also toured the country with the Al G. Field Minstrels. His last engagement was with the Albert Wetter shows.
Billboard, October 30, 1920, pp. 62, 63, 67. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Chas. B. Paul, clown, writes The Billboard from Elgin, Minn., that he closed a twenty weeks' season with Edward E. Myhre's Great Eastern Shows at Kensett, Ia., a few weeks ago, his second season on that organization. Mr. Paul states that the show played Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa, and covered 2,111 miles with six trucks and a touring car. Also the show closed with the same people it opened with, with the exception of a few changes in the working crews.
New York, Oct. 21. Roster of the Lowande & Gardner Circus to soon leave for Porto Rico, artists and executives: Alex A. Lowande, owner; Matilda E. Lowande, Howard A. Lowande, Elsie May Lowande, Oscar Lowande Jr.; Marietta Correia, Amelia Correis, Jack Bayersdofer, Fred Nelson, James Nelson, Memry L. Baker and wife, Delma (Cuban Wonder), Floyd Benard, wife and son; Rolf and Kennedy and Mrs. Kennedy, Rodrigues Troupe (four people), William Tyler and Company, George Denno, B. Dooley, Lorretta Twins (four people), Strout's Military Band (fourteen pieces). Carl M. Johnson, boss canvasman; Fred Cassidy, Pat Morgan, Jack Fitzer, assistants. Bill B. Brown, boss property man; Billy Haaser, John Flanagan, Mike Gordon, assistants. James Hart, in charge of lights. The main canvas is a 110 foot round top with two 40 foot middle pieces. The ring stock will include eight horses, two ponies, as well as six monkeys and one goat to be used in the performance. The company is scheduled to sail on the New York-Porto Rico line, S S. Coamo, November 28, for San Juan, Porto Rico.
The ninety-seventh annual tour of the John Robinson Circus was scheduled to "pull stakes" for the final time this year at Anna, Ill., Monday, October 25. From Anna the show was to move to Peru, Ind., where it has wintered for the past few years. The 1920 tour was twenty-six weeks, and the total mileage was 16,104, days played 159, none lost.
The Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows will close at Richmond, Va., October 27. The show will go back to Bridgeport, Conn., for the winter.
After all season with car No. 3, Ringling-Barnum Shows, J. Raymond Morris closed with the car at Richmond, Va., on October 20. He left for Chattanooga, Tenn., where he expects to spend the winter.
Tobias Tyler, juggler and clown, the past few seasons with the John Robinson Circus, informs us that his mother passed away on October 19 at Troy, N. Y., and on account of her illness he was called away from the Robinson Shows at Jackson, Miss., on Oct. 13.
Bobby Gossana, minstrel clown, closed his summer season with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows is now with Neil O'Brien's Minstrels, his second season with that troupe.
Frank M. Swan, press agent of Gentry Bros. Famous Shows and Wild Animal Circus, was 51 years "young" on September 18. After the season closes he will be on The Galveston Tribune at Galveston, Tex. for the winter.
Sam Freed, on the advance of Cook Bros. Texas Ranch 90, as general agent, writes that he closed with that attractions at Kelford, N. C., and was on his way to New York City for a couple weeks' rest, after which he intends putting out a tab show for the winter. Adds that he has purchased a 70 foot top, and with his brother will launch a one-ring circus next season under the title of Freed Bros. Overland Show.
Billy Exton, press agent, who recently closed with the John Robinson Shows, is in Cleveland, where he has opened an office and it's back to the picture game for him this winter.
Les Zerados, aerialists, closed their engagement with the Sells-Floto Circus at Lincoln, Neb., on September 7. They open with the Santos & Artigas Circus in Cuba on November 6 via Key West. Frank and Tiny (Les Zerados) intend to return late in February to prepare for the opening with Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey next season. Their little son, Tola, visited them for a week in Chicago, and is now with Mrs. Zarado's sister in St. Paul, Minn., attending school.
The Backman-Tinsch Trained Wild Animal Circus has experienced wonderful business the past five weeks in Texas. The roster of the show has remained intact the whole season with the exception of the Brownlee Trio. The Backman troupe of fighting lions, five in number, is the big feature, handled by Capt. John Huffman. Many additions will be made to the show for next season. Mr. Backman has decided to purchase elephants and camels. Producing clown Ray Woods has many funny stunts. Prof. Tim Buckley joined the show at Kerrville, Tex., and was welcomed back. The Aerial Clarks are one of the features. Mme. Mae Bell, with her trained doves and who also sings with the band, makes a hit. Mme. Golda, with her white horse, Pearl, received much applause. Capt. Chas. Dennison and this troupe of trained monkeys please. Harry Steele and wife joined at Granger, Tex. Another welcomed on the show was Charles R. Black, "Blackie," came in from Los Angeles, and seems pleased to be back "home" again. Geo. F. Donovan is business Manager. Mike A. Beede has rejoined the advance. McNamarra and McNamara are worthy of mention with their comical turn, "Raised in Arkansas." Musical director Walker Morris and his band please with their daily concerts. - Roy Luddington
Mark Stark, formerly a clown with the M. L. Clark Circus, later with the Lone Star Minstrels, as a bone rattler, was a Billboard visitor this week.
Jay Rial, circus press agent, for years associated with the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Shows, died of pneumonia Tuesday, October 19, at Winston-Salem, N. C., following an illness of a few days. He is survived by the widow, who is a daughter of the late LeGrand Perce of Chicago, and a daughter, Vira Rial, an actress. The daughter was playing at Atlanta, Ga., when she received word of his serious illness, and left at once for Winston-Salem, but arrived a few hours after her father's death. The body was taken to New York for burial. Mr. Rial was 68 years of age, had been identified with amusement projects for the past forty-five years. . . . He was with the Ringling Circus for some time, then joined Barnum & Bailey, with these two circuses for the past sixteen years.
C. W. Finney, general contracting agent for the Sells-Floto Shows, says the bottom has dropped out of the South, owing to the sudden slump in cotton, which dropped from about 40 cents to 15 and 18 cents a pound. Much of the crop is stored in immense warehouses in Memphis. As the slump was anticipated by Mr. Finney and Edward Arlington, an early closing was agreed upon.
Billboard, November 6, 1920, pp. 44, 62, 63, 64. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
M. Donald Gauper, musician, formerly with the John Robinson Circus, and Hazel B. Nicholls, non-professional, of Sparta, Wis., were married October 21, somewhere in Wisconsin.
Toto Hammer, contortionist, known as the "frogman," the past season with Sells-Floto Circus, and Leona Mussman, of Rock Island, Ill., were married in Davenport, Ia., October 19.
"Duke" Mills, assistant manager of the side shows with the Sells-Floto Circus for the past four years, and Marie Sweeney (The Wonder Girl), sister of Beatrice Sweeney, of Sweeney and Newton, now in vaudeville, and did a novelty act in vaudeville herself, were married in Chicago, October 27.
Santos & Artigas Circus, Para Brazil, S. A., September 17. At present there are two other circuses in this city besides the Santos & Artigas "Blue" Circus - Nelson Bros. and the International Circus. This show is playing the Palace Theater here, and it is reported that the Shipp & Feltus Circus, which is playing on the West Coast, is doing well. Santos & Artigas play ten performances here, and then leave for Barbados, W. L., then to Caracas and Colombia, through Panama and the Central American countries as far as Mexico, then to Cuba to open the fall season. There is difficulty in transportation, as the boats are few and far between, and everything is high priced at present. The following acts are with the show: the Three Arleys, perch; the Wonders, jugglers; the Waltons, riders; Chinese Troupe, Three Willeys, head balancers; Ella Troupe, Embark Ola Troupe of Arabs, Castrillion Troupe, Three Darings, rings; the Monutos, Polldor, Pepito and Carmelo, clowns; the Dainty Girl, Wilmouth's lions and Weeden's tigers.
Further details than those already published regarding the passing and burial of Frank C. Cooper, veteran circus agent, are in the following letter from F. G. Riley, M. D., Booneville, Miss.: "Re Frank Cooper, press agent the John Robinson Shows, who died in our hospital Sunday, October 10. Wish to state that Mr. Cooper reached us Wednesday, October 6, on a stretcher in a semi-conscious condition, suffering, as best we could tell, from an acute attack of nephritis, superimposed upon an old chronic case of nephritis. We did everything in our power to relieve Mr. Cooper, but to no avail, he growing gradually worse until the end came, Sunday, October 10. Mrs. Cooper arrived Saturday, October 9, at noon, and was with him continuously. The body of Mr. Cooper was buried in the Bonfile Cemetery by his wife, October 11, she having procured for his remains a nice lot and a monument to mark his grave. The burial services were conducted by the Presbyterian minister of this place."
The Howe's Great London Shows will close their season November 8 at Jackson, Mo. The winter quarters will again be at Peru, Ind.
George H. Weyman closed the season with Sells-Floto at East St. Louis and is at home in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Fred Salmon, clown, writes that he is with Rice Bros. Shows, now in the South, and has his comedy musical act, consisting of black face makeup, novelty instruments, singing and talking, framed for this winter in vaudeville.
The Walter L. Main Shows wind up the season on November 6 at Franklin, Va., and will goto their permanent winter quarters at Havre de Grace, Md.
Ray Glaum, who has been working the "come-in" and clowning with Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, will play a few vaudeville dates before returning to his home.
It is reported that Mrs. (Hessie) "Blackie" Howard joined the Al G. Barnes Circus at Wynne, Ark., and will have charge in winter quarters of the designing and making of some of the finest wardrobe for next season.
J. A. Coffin, veteran of the sawdust trail, principally with Ringling Bros., Sells-Floto, Barnum & Bailey and with the Barnum Show on its trip across the pond, is now working for the Minnesota and Ontario Paper Co. at International Falls, Minn.
Wm. (Billy) Beach, well known in circus circles and brother of Jack Beach, advertising representative of Howe's Great London Shows, passed away in Newport News, Va., on October 25. Jack Beach was called to the bedside of his brother a week before the end came.
Harry Bernhardt, ticket taker on the side show with the Yankee Robinson Circus for some seven years, who closed with the show on September 2 because of a nervous breakdown, and returned to Minneapolis, where he was admitted to the General Hospital, has recovered, and intends wintering in that city.
The John Robinson brigade, after helping to complete the billing for Anna, Ill., on October 11, journeyed southward intact to assist Howe's Great London advance for the remainder of the season.
Indianapolis, Oct. 28. At a recent meeting of the officers of the B. L. Wallace Greater Shows, held at their offices, I. O. O. F. Building, J. Powell was elected treasurer. Mr. Powell is a member of the Powell Bros., the live stock commission firm of that name, in this city. Chas. McCarty, for many years agent and general agent of various tented organizations, is "with it." Everything is moving along nicely. A great number of old heads have been engaged for the different departments. Rollinson & Glidewell are retained as attorneys for the corporation.
Christy Bros. Greater United Wild Animal Shows are still doing good business in the South. The show opened at Galveston, Tex., and has had a wonderful season so far, with the exception of several weeks in Canada, after the show was wrecked, when it was necessary to route on one particular road until a new car was built, and that road was in bad territory. The performance is given in two rings and a stage.
Elmer Bickert, one time famous for his manipulations on the "gab stick" (clarinet), better known among his former associates of the Sun Bros. Shows band as "Gabby," is in Detroit, working in the Continental Motor Co.'s plant.
At Eau Claire, Wis., Harry F. Willis, famous calliopist, at the Palace Rug Cleaning Parlors, and his electric cleaning machine, makes sweeter music for Harry than ever did the Sells-Floto calliope.
Charlie LaBird, oldtime circus trouper, now has his own vaudeville show under canvas.
Billboard, November 13, 1920, pp. 62, 63. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
H. W. Campbell's Winter Circus will be ready for opening about December 1, with sixteen acts. The show will travel in two cars, carry seventy-five people, Mr. Campbell's horses, lions and ponies, and a ten piece band, and have new canvas throughout. Doc Weber will be in charge of the big top performance and Whitie Austin will have the side show. A tour through California will be made, and it is the intention of the management to be on the road for three months. The circus will be under the guidance of Col. M. H. Welsh, formerly of the Welsh Bros Circus, and will carry a capable staff of assistants. Milt Hinkle will furnish the Wild West concert with ten people.
Chas. Gerlach, circus band leader, formerly with Welch Bros., Sun Bros. and the old John Robinson 10 Big Shows, is with Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
Memry L. Baker, the Flexible Marvel, who had contracted for a 40 weeks' tour of South America with the Lowande & Gardner Circus, was forced to cancel the engagement owing to his health. Baker expects to return to his home a Crouse, N. C. in a few weeks and take a few months rest.
C. W. Sells, who closed with the Ringling-Barnum Circus, is at his home in Cooleemee, North Carolina.
C. W. Denney, clown with Sells-Floto the past season, recently joined the Mighty Haag Shows, playing the South.
C. E. Duble, trombone player, who has been with many of the circus bands, is now located at Okmulgee, Ok., playing at the new Hippodrome vaudeville theater.
Isabel Henney, with Sells-Floto late in the season, is spending the fall and winter with her mother in Pittsburg, Kan. Genevieve D. Dupont, with the same circus a few weeks, is at home in Springfield, Ill.
Ralph C. Carlisle has closed with his Wild West show and is at home at Catskill, N. Y. Ralph, once known as Wichita Jack, is an old circus and Wild West trouper, and was formerly assistant superintendent of the Barnum & Bailey Show, during the European tour.
J. C. Martson, of the old Peak Family of Swiss bellringers, and himself formerly a aerialist with several circuses and as a free attraction at fairs, is now in the medicine business.
Billboard, November 20, 1920, pp. 60, 61, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Maysville, Ky., Nov. 11. Shropshire's Motorized Show closed its season at Hardyville, Ky., October 29 because of the cold weather prevailing. Otherwise the closing date would have been November 6, as intendedn. The show opened its season January 4 at Clinton, Miss., and had a ten months' tour, which carried it over four thousand miles. During the spring a few days were lost because of the inclement weather, but not a stand was lost throughout the entire season on account of motor trouble. For the first three months the show had bad "sledding" in Mississippi, due to muddy roads and bad business, but business and conditions were better in Tennessee and Kentucky. After the closing of the tour the show traveled to this city, where it will spend the winter in quarters. Harmon James, in charge of trucks, will remain in Maysville, as will A. Jackson, and put the trucks to hauling tobacco. Prof. O. E. Dunwick, bandmaster, has left for Bedford, Ind. The Irwin Family dropped off in Georgetown, Ky., and started for Steelville, Mo.
Frank M. Swan closed a season of 28 weeks as press agent of Gentry Bros. Famous Shows and Wild Animal Circus at Sealy, Tex., on November 8. The show closes at Rosenberg, Tex., on November 20 and will go direct to the winter headquarters at Houston. The show made the following States this season: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Utah, Wyoming Arizona, New Mexico and California. Mr. Swan will winter in Galveston, Tex., connected with The Galveston Daily Tribune.
Fred L. Shafer, who has been looking after the quarters of the Rhoda Royal Show at Montgomery, Ala., for a few weeks, joined the show at Quincy, Fla. to finish out the season.
Claude I. Kutz, with the band on the John Robinson Show this season, returned to his home at Myerstown, Pa., and is at present playing flute in the orchestra at the moving picture theater there.
San Luis Obispo, Cal., will be the closing stand of the Al G. Barnes Circus November 20. "Governor" Al G. Barnes is spending quite a sum of money on his new winter quarters at Culver City, Cal.
James M. Beach, who closed his season as assitant traffic manager and general contracting agent with the Walter L. Main Shows at Franklin, Va., returned to his home in Seneca Falls, N. Y.
K. Y. Kira, formerly with the Ringling-Barnum Circus, furnishes all the Singalese performers for circuses and theatrical productions, is operating the Ceylon restaurant in New York.
Jack Kent, veteran boss hostler, for many years with the John Robinson Circus and the past season with the Walter L. Main Shows, is suffering with blood poisoning in his left leg, from being kicked by a horse.
W. M. Gilman, who has not trouped since 1915, is manager of the Nemaha Valley Poster Advertising Company, the Gehling Theater and the Ideal picture theater at Falls City, Neb. Season 1893 Gillman was with the Great Western Shows, the following two years with the Syndicate Shows, followed consecutively by Walter L. Main Shows, Bonheur Bros., John Robinons, two seasons; Walter L. Main, one season; Forepaugh-Sells, one season (1901); Wallace Shows, two seasons; Walter L. Main, one season; Campbell Bros., four seasons; Howe's Great London, one season; Great Sanger shows, one season; LaTena Shows, one season; Jones Bros., one season; Cole Bros., one season, and John Robinson (1915).
Charles Gottlieb, billposter, for years with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey shows, and a member of the Billposters' Union Philadelphia Local 4, died of malaria fever in Philadelphia the first part of November. He was 45 years old. Interment was in New York City.
Chicago, Nov. 15. Incorporation papers were filed at Indianapolis last week for the Gentry Circus Corporation, a $200,000 Indiana corporation for amusement, service, recreation and profit. The officers are J. W. Gentry, president; F. H. Gentry, vice-president, and O. F. Gentry, secretary-treasurer. Offices have been opened in the Indiana Trust Bldg., Indianapolis. This is an Indiana enterprise, which give the public an opportunity to become part owner. The stock is divided into $100,000 worth of preferred and $100,000 of common stock, 1,000 shares of each with a par value of $100 per share. One share of common stock will be given with each purchase of two shares of preferred stock. It is the intention of the Gentry Circus Corporation to purchase, organize, build and operate circuses and other amusement enterprises given under tents.
New York, Nov. 15. Elizabeth Hanneford, of the family of that name at the Hippodrome, will be married next Sunday to Ernest Clark, circus performer.
Billboard, November 27, 1920, pp. 62, 63, 64. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Sells-Floto Circus is now in the possession of Edward M. Ballard, Jerry Mugivan and associates. The purchase of the aggregation was practically agreed upon two weeks ago, but not until the early part of last week was the deal closed and the money paid over to H. H. Tammen, F. G. Bonfils and Otto Floto. The sale also included the Buffalo Bill (Colonel Cody) Wild West, Congress of Rough Riders of the World. With the Yankee Robinson Circus, which they purchased from Fred Buchanan week before last, Messrs. Ballard, Mugivan and associates now have under their wing five circuses and one Wild West show. It is understood that they will operate all of these circuses next season, but still it is said there is a possibility of them dropping one. Just what will be done with the Buffalo Bill Wild West not a whisper has been made. . . .
Mr. Buchanan, former owner of the Yankee Robinson Circus, has no plans for the future. In speaking to a reporter of The Times Sunday Capital, Des Moines, Ia., he said" "I have had a big year. We made lots of money, as did all other circuses. I expect to keep my land at Granger, which comprises over 100 acres, and will put in the winter resting. The increased railroad rates promulgated late in the fall have made circus traveling an expensive luxury." Mr. Buchanan first took hold of the "Yank" outfit some 20 years ago when it was a wagon show and played the "tanks."
Honest Bill's Combined Shows closed at Seagonville, Tex., November 13, going into quarters at Ada, Ok. The show carried 25 performers and 100 head of draft and performing stock. The menagerie top sheltered two elephants, five camels, two zebras, two buffalo, two elk, two ostriches and a number of cat animals. The kid show line-up included Fat Roe, in black art and sleight-of-hand; the Mysterious Nortons, in fire eating, sword swallowing and other feats, and the Big Musical Six, the feature act. The numbers in the big top, directed by Honest Bill, were: three aerial acts; two contorion; one four-pony drill; Cupid, educated pony; three clown numbers, with Fat Roe producing clown; two dog acts, one juggling feature; one ground tumbling act; one squad eight-pony army drill; __, the giant elephant, and Professor Cunningham. The concert entertainment was furnished by Original Booger Red and his cowboys and cowgirls, with twenty head of bucking horses. The show toured four States. In Missouri and Kansas business was fair, in Oklahoma very good, and in Texas excellent. - Jockey Day
Campbell Bros. Circus closed the season at Lancaster, Cal., on November 13, and has gone into winter quarters at Hueneme, Cal.
Chicago, Nov. 18. Johnny Agee, of the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Shows, and John Heyworth are in Chicago organizing a winter show. Last year these gentlemen took a winter show to Washington, D. C., Richmond and Norfolk, Va.
Floyd Short, clown with the Sells-Floto Circus, is in Dayton, O., quarantined on account of diphtheria.
Mrs. Anna Don, the past season with Sells-Floto Circus as prima donna in the "Snap It Up" review, will spend the winter in Denver, Colorado.
Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus closed its season at Blakely, Ga., November 20.
Hank Young, one of the oldest circus bass drummers in the business, is at his home in Pittsburg. He was with Sells-Floto the past season.
The Miller Brothers, acrobats and aerialists, closed with Campbell Bros. Shows, and are at home in Springfield, Mo.
Henry Messer and Carl Waddell, late of the Rhoda Royal Shows, are at the winter home of the latter in Ft. Madison, Ia.
Spartanburg, N. C., Nov. 18. Cole Bros. World Toured Shows closed their season at Mooresville, N. C., on November 16, and came direct to this city where they will winter, along with the other shows of E. H. Jones. The show had a wonderful season of 32 weeks, of which seventeen were in Canada, covering five provinces. The tour also included 18 States, and barring a fire in a sleeping car, there were not accidents. There were no blowdowns and with the exception of the last few days, general good weather was enjoyed. The staff included F. H. Jones, owner and manger; L. C. Gillett, general agent; Frank Goldie, side show manager; Al Anderson, pit show manager; Owen Lewis, equestrian director; V. Crawford, candy stands; F. L. (Kokomo) Anders, legal adjuster; "Whitey" Crossett and J. C. Kelley, privileges; Frank Welch, reserved seat tickets; Jack Moore, boss canvasman; F. Fields, superintendent menagerie.
Fred Banker, the "demon biller," who worked on the opposition brigade of the John Robinson Circus this season, will go with the "Honolulu Girl" company this winter. H. E. Wallace, press agent with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, will also go with the same company.
Willard Garr, of the John Robinson Shows, will go with Fisher's flying trapeze act in vaudeville this winter. He has signed with Hagenbeck-Wallace for next season.
Billboard, December 4, 1920, pp. 60, 61, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
New York, Nov. 24. Marrietta Correia, mother of Johnny, Eddie and Amelia Correia, was married on November 22 to Antonio Gabriel, non-professional, by Clerk of Court Scully, Municipal Building, with Mr. and Mrs. John Correia and Amelia Correia Nelson in attendance at the ceremoney. The bride is well known, having been a Lowande before her marriage to Mr. Correia. The entire Correia family are well-known riders, but all have retired from the business except Johnny, who has been with the Ringling bros. the past four years and goes back to the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Shows next season.
Spartanburg, S. C., Nov. 24. Rice Bros. Shows closed a successful season of 36 weeks on November 20 at Edgefield, S. C., and came to this city to winter. The show toured fourteen States and two provinces of Canada. During the early part of the season inclement weather was encountered, but credit is due manager Alex. C. Jones in rounding out the tour into a success. While the roster had a few changes the various heads of departments remained all through the season. These included Prof. Frank Leonard, animal trainer and equestrian director; Prof. Frank P. Meister, musical director; Jack Sampson, official announcer and side show manager; Denny Helm, seat man; George Farris, boss hostler, and Charles Hoffman, trainmaster. The show lost only a few days on account of bad weather, and but several matinees because of railroad conditions. Gov. F. R. Jones visited the show before it pulled into quarters and seemed pleased tha everything appeared neatly kept and the stock looking so nicely after being en tour for nearly nine months.
S. D. Hanford, the past season with the Howe London advance, is on his little farm on Rural Route No. 4, Sose, Miss.
Wm. J. Irwin and wife have returned to their home in Steelville, Mo., after their season with James Shropshire's Motorized Show.
Mr. and Mrs. Mel Burtis (Ollie and Mae) returned to Chicago from Gentry Bros. Show. Burtis will again be associated with the United States Rubber Co. for the winter.
Frank J. Young, the past season with C. L. Brown's concert band with Sells-Flotos Circus, is in a jazz band with a feature picture through West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Charles F. Curran, past season side show manager Howe's Great London Shows, is managing the tour of Madam "Asia" in a seance of mental telepathy from his home in Brooklyn, N. Y.
Walter Goodenough closed a season with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and will pass the winter in New Orleans.
Thomas J. Riley, last year with Cook Bros. Circus, is now managing the Dixieland Minstrels for "Uncle Joe" Oppice, in the Krause Greater Shows.
"Quiet Jack" Moore and wife are visiting Jack's parents at Wichita, Kan., where they may remain for the winter.
Merle Evans, bandmaster with Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Shows, goes back to that organization for 1921, his third season with the show.
Kansas City, Nov. 25. The Sanger Circus closed the season at Collierville, Tenn., November 13, and went into winter quarters at Memphis. This company is now putting on for the largest store in Memphis an indoor circus, starting November 20. This indoor circus will run until Christmas. Howard King is back with the show and Floyd is the agent. This circus, according to reports, has had a good season playing the South, never getting north of the Ohio River, but for two weeks. They will tour the North in 1921.
Gene DeArmond Brouillard, oldtime trouper, died October 8 at N. Kaukauna, Wis. He was at one time with Al G. Barnes, Yankee Robinson and Sells-Floto circuses, and about two years ago enlisted in the band at Ft. Lyons, Col.
Billboard, December 25, 1920, pp. 66, 67, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Los Angeles, Dec. 16. Al G. Barnes, proprietor of the Al G. Barnes Wild Animal Circus, has bought 80 acres of land on the main road between here and Venice. It is really in Culver City. The Pacific Electric R. R. has a spur track to the place, off its main line. Many concrete buildings are being erected and when completed will probably be the finest winter quarters of any circus.
The Rhoda Royal Circus did not close December 16 as reported in a recent issue. It is still touring Florida.
Bernie Head, last season with Sells-Floto Circus, is now stage manager at the Auditorium Theater, Hot Springs, Ark.
F. W. Brooks is spending the winter in Chicago after a season as 24-hour man with the Sparks Shows.
Gardner Wilson, press agent of the Walter L. Main Circus, is now assistant manager of a theater in Winston-Salem, N. C.
Earl Shipley is located in Las Vegas, N. M., as night clerk in the Castaneda Hotel, and will probably be there until time for the Sells-Floto Show to open.
Eddie James, chief cook of Gentry Bros. Shows, closed the season with the show on November 24, and is at home in Memphis, Tenn.
James Heron will be back again with Andrew Downie next season as treasurer of the Walter L. Main Circus, his fourth season in the "red wagon."
J. H. Wintersteen is the second man with Harry W. Rice, ahead of "My Golden Girl," Company. J. H. the past season had the lithographs on the Yankee Robinson No. 1 car.
Carl M. Johnson closed a season as boss property man with Howe's Great London Shows, and is now in Birch Run, Mich.
Bert Chipman, last summer with the Hugo Players, will be ahead of a magic show with Clarence Auskings, joining in Kansas City.
Clyde H. Willard, manager of adv. car No. 3, John Robinson Circus the past season, is at his home in Union, S. C. Willard says he will again be with the Robinson Show the coming season.
Leon and Cleo Bennett, with the Yankee Robinson Circus the past season, have purchased a bungalow in Kansas City, Mo. Cora Sherman, from the same show, will be with them until the opening of the next season.
Tom Veasey, for several seasons with Andrew Downie and the LaTena Circus as boss elephant man, is booked to go with one of the circuses next season. Tom, for the past three years, has been caring for the three elephants at Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, Mass.
Emil A. Arp, of the Great American Circus, has combined his show with the Nelson Wild West Show. Winter quarters have been established at Orion, Kan. Walter Nelson has been in the Wild West business for thirty-five years. Arp has been in the game but five years. The show will move in 25 wagons. Walt Nelson is breaking new animal acts at Orion. Arp, who is business manager, is now in Davenport, Ia.
Sheedy Dempsey, dining car manager of the Howe Show last season, will hold the same position with the Yankee Robinson Show this coming season.
Harry Potter, of the Peerless Potters, has not trouped in years. He is assistant manager of a large picture house.
C. E. Walton, of the Waltons, writes from Caracas, Venezuela, S. A., November 23, concerning the Santos & Artigas Circus: "Our company is under the personal direction of Don Pablo Santos, while the Red Circus, now in Havana, Cuba, is under the direction of Jesus Artigas. At present we have 70 people and carry two animal acts, one of six lions and one of seven tigers. Also have purchased the four bear act from the Lowande Circus, with wagons complete. . . ."
Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 18. Floyd and Howard King's "Santa's Circus," at Brys, a local department store, gives three shows daily, with four on Saturday.
San Antonio, Tex., Dec. 15. The Backman-Tinsch Trained Wild Animal Circus is in winter quarters in this city, located in Exposition Park, Hot Wells. Four expert trainers are now at work on new acts. The trainers now engaged in this work are Tim Buckley, on elephants and ponies; John Hoffman, on wild animals; Roy Ludington, on monkeys, and Joe Palmer, on dogs. There will be at least six animal acts added to the program the coming season.
1921
Billboard, January 1, 1921, pp. 54, 55, 56, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
New York, Dec. 25. Plans for a European invasion of the Barnum & Bailey and Ringling Bros. Circus for next year have been called off. The change of program is due, it is said, to the fact that the British Government would take twenty per cent of the receipts as an amusement tax, and in addition the American Government would collect income tax when the shows returned.
Ollie and Eddie Keeley, the past two seasons with the John Robinson Circus, are in vaudeville with their comedy bag punching and boxing novelty.
Stofer and DeAnzo, featured with the Howe show the past season, are operating a skating rink at Houma, Terrebonne Parish, La.
Jake Friedman closed a season of forty-one weeks with the Christy Bros. Shows at Goose Creek, Tex., Dec. 18, as manager of side shows and oriental department. He will manage the same departments the coming season, his fourth with the show.
The Jung Bros. Troupe (Walter, Paul, Bee and Harry Johnson) closed a season with the Sparks Circus at Jasper, Fla., December 1, and after spending two weeks at their home in Tampa, Fla., joined Bennie Kirkland's "Kalifornia Kewpies," to do their comedy acrobatic acts and the principal knockabout comedians.
George M. Kelley, said to be the peer of all leapers, celebrated his eightieth birthday in his home at Binghamton, N. Y., December 2. Kelley first became known as a professional with the circus owned by Levi J. North in 1855 and made a tour with Thayer & North and later with John Robinson's Circus in 1864. Kelley's act was a feature with the circuses of that time, and later with Forepaugh, Buffalo Bill and Barnum & Bailey. He made several trips abroad, and visited Cuba and Mexico, performing before the crowned heads of England and Russia as well as the emperor of France.
"Doc" Hastings, christened Francis, old clown and performer, is still confined to his bed with paralysis of the lower limbs. Mr. Hastings has also lost almost the complete use of his eyesight.
W. U. Montgomery, located at Limestone, Fla., is one of the old school showmen, having first engaged in same back in 1889. He was part owner and manager of the Montgomery Bros. U. T. C. Company, Great Texas Bill Wild West. He served as agent and in an executive capacity with many of the larger circuses, retired from the show business some twelve years ago to engage in Florida real estate. Last season he went on the orad with a carnival, closing with the C. A. Wortham Shows. He was contracting agent working under Rhoda Royal when he and Joe Berris had a ten-car show, leased from Walter L. Main.
Gentry Bros. Shows, which closed November 20 at Rosenberg, Tex., had one of the best seasons. Although the cotton market was bad in the Southwest, it did not seem to affect business. The show probably would have stayed out until December 4 but for the death of J. D. Newman's mother on November 12.
Henry Bode, of the Henry Bode Wagon Works, Cincinnati, died at his late residence, 258 Ludlow avenue, Clifton, Cincinnati, late last week. He was the founder of the Bode Hardware Company and some years ago became associated with his brother Albert in the Bode Wagon Company. He became unconscious on a street car and was taken to the Good Samaritan Hospital, where he died. Besides his widow, his brother and two sisters, he is survived by a daughter and a son. He was 66 years old.
John Buer, circus clown, died November 28, at the Prince of Wales Hospital, England. "Old John" used to do an act for many years with his donkey, "Domino."
Billboard, January 8, 1921, pp. 56, 57, 58, 59. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Atterbury Bros. Circus is now in winter quarters at 303 Adams avenue, Memphis, Tenn. The show closed a sucessful season at Marks, Miss., and moved from there into quarters. Mr. Atterbury canceled the Southern route on account of the low price of cotton, although the patronage of the show continued big up to the last stand. The show had the choice of two locations for quarters - the Tri-State fair grounds and the present quarters of Adams avenue, the model livery stable that covers an entire block, allowing plenty of space for all the stock animals and wagons, and plenty of room for practice and training of the animals and elephants, Slim Bayles in charge of the ring stock and baggage horses, forty head. The show opened at Lancaster, Mo., April 18, traveled over three thousand miles by wagons, with the exception of the 800 mile jump from Minnesota to Tennessee, showing Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Tennessee and Mississippi, being out eight months. The show will open in Memphis in March.
Miss Catherine Atterbury, the little aerial trapeze performer, is visiting friends until after the holidays. After that come the daily practicing at quarters. Thomas W. Powell, who had charge of outside tickets, is visiting his brother, Wm. P. Powell, in New York City, also his son in Washington, D. C. He is now a grandpa, as a baby boy has just arrived at his son's home. Luke Chilkorn will again have charge of inside tickets with the show this coming season. Powell will start the painting in February. William Atterbury has given up the show business, and has gone into the oil business in Kentucky. Manager Atterbury will add some new stock, animals and canvas, and enlarge the show. He will return to the old route - Minnesota and North Dakota - for the 1921 season. A Nubian milk goat arrived at quarters recently, to be used exclusively for the youngest Miss Atterbury, age ten months. That beats the milk man out of three quarts of milk every day, so says Mother Rose Atterbury, the treasurer of the show. - W. A. Allen
Business with the Escalante Bros. Show has been fair. It was light in San Gabriel, and the management had a losing engagement in Brawley on account of arriving two days late, taking three days and three nights coming from San Pedro, about 200 miles. The show put in three days at the Hollywood Studio of the Real Art Pictures in the play, "The Little Clown." . . . In Mexicali, Mex., business was big, as this is an Escalante town. - Lee J. Teller
The Rhoda Royal Circus, which closed its season of forty-one weeks on December 20 at Perry, Fla., now has winter quarters established in Montgomery, Ala. Following the closing of the show a smaller outfit of two-car size was immediately organized for the winter to play small stands in Southern Florida, the balance of the equipment being at once shipped to Montgomery.
Richard Bros. Wagon Show closed a successful season of forty-two weeks at Slocumb, Ala., on December 20, and is in winter quarters at the fair grounds at Dothan, Ala. All performers, with two exceptions, who opened with the show closed with it and all are comforably situated for the winter in little cottages on the fair grounds. All have signed contracts with the Richards Bros. Show for the coming season. Most of the working men are also being held over for the coming season. R. H. Richards will be in full charge of the winter quarters. Oklahoma Spot will have charge of the stock. Repairing and rebuilding will be in charge of W. D. Parker. - T. J. Haley
Christy Bros. Greater United Wild Animal Shows closed the usual long season at Dayton, Tex., and are now in winter quarters at Beaumont, Tex. On account of the limited building space at Galveston, Tex., the management was forced to seek other quarters, as animals, horses, wagons, etc., have accumulated so fast lately to make the old quarters entirely out of the question. The show is wintering in the Gates Handle Factory Building, about 1,000 by 200 feet, with plenty of trackage right under the same building. The Campbell Show wintered in this same building some years ago. The lion act, five in number, recently purchased, as arrived and is now in training with the other animal acts. Four trainers are busy all day long. Manager G. W. Christy gave a Christmas dinner to forty-two employees and each one received a handsome gift. Little Harry James and Florence Barlow were two happy kiddies when Santa brought their presents, which were numerous.
Joe Lewis, "The David Warfield of Circus Joeys," has been re-engaged by the Ringling-Barnum Show.
Al Rock, who closed the season with the Sparks Circus, expects to be back on the same show again next season.
Crazy Ray (himself), the calliope maniac, will again be with the Wheeling Warf Boat Company's big side-wheel excursion steamer, "Verne Swain." He will play the calliope and have the doll and candy wheel privileges.
George and Marjorie Reed, of the Flying Herberts, are spending the winter in Umatilla, Fla., at their new home, "Grandview Villa."
The James, after another successful season of 41 weeks on the Christy Show, will pass the winter in Beaumont, Tex., and will be back on the show the coming season. Everette will again conduct the band while Mrs. James will do her acts in the big show and continue to ride "Squirrel," the black beauty.
P. H. Mason, an old circus man, is locatd at Townsend Center, O., conducting a store, which was recently robbed. For a quarter of a century he was with the John Robinson Shows. Mason had an accident some years ago in a fall and broke a hip and had to give up the sawdust ring.
Steve Schriver, side show manager, descriptive lecturer and general announcer, retired from the white tops a few years ago and settled down in Cleveland, going into business for himself. Steve built a home on the West Side, and is now living with his old mother and his little sister. Steve was with the Barnum Show for many years, and was all through Europe with James A. Bailey.
The following is taken from the Omaha (Neb.) newspaper concerning Simon Shaffer, head of a family of acrobats: "Among the oldtime celebrities in Omaha is Simon Shaffer, Millard Hotel, who once was known as one of the greatest acrobats. Visitors to the Barnum & Bailey, Ringling Bros., John Robinson and Hagenbeck-Wallace circuses may recall having seen the Shaffer family, clad in white-and-blue tights, doing tumbling acts and tricks on the flying trapeze. Mr. Shaffer's parents and grandparents were acrobats. He was born into the circus life in Germany, about sixty years ago. He traveled with the largest circuses of Europe. In 1893 he came to America to perform at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. There he met the woman who became his wife, an acrobat of note, Maude Nelson. They became the parents of four daughters, and the entire family of six was trained to act together, appearing in nearly every city in America. About ten years ago, while acting with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, the flying trapeze rope broke. Mrs. Shaffer was killed and Mr. Shaffer's hip and leg and skull were fractured. He spent fifteen months in a hospital, and never since then has he been able to act. Mr. Shaffer trained his daughters in the acrobatic act, from the ages of six months to three years, until they were skillful enough to appear with him and his wife in a family act. They are now appearing in vaudeville on the Orpheum Circuit, known as the Nelson Sisters. Mr. Shaffer is a naturalized citizen of the United States, and for eight years has made his home at the Millard Hotel."
M. A. (Hank) Gowdy, side show man, is with the Grand Circo Teatro Modelo. He writes of a disastrous fire. This started in the elephant car. The elephant man went to sleep smoking. The car caught fire, killed the keeper, an elephant, and burned the car to dust. After the fire $3,000 in bullion, which the keeper carried, was found on the wheels. It had been melted by the intense heat.
Up in Bath, Me., lives George Leland Coleman, who for years followed the circus game with Sparks as assistant boss hostler. George was given six weeks to stay out of the game when he went to work in the shipyards. But he is there yet, as superintendent over sixty men, and is devoting his spare time to politics.
The Lowande & Gardner Circus opened at San Juan, Porto Rico, on December 12. The opening program ran as follows: perch act by two Hardgoves; comedy perch act, Ryan and Nelson; Tyler's dogs and ponies; single slack wire, Mr. Bernard; singing and dancing by Ryan Sisters; comedy riding act by Oscar Lowande and Jack Nelson; intermission; Loretta Twins, horizontal bars; contortion act by Lenore Dilme; Tyler's foot juggling act; Miss Wilmouth, Italian singer; the Bernards, hand balancing and contortion; Ernstonian-Novikoff Troupe, flying act.
Arthur Ballard, who was with the Ringling Bros. Shows for several seasons and at various times interested in amusement enterprises, passed away recently at Baraboo, Wis. He was thirty-five years of age and a native of Baraboo, in which city he was associated with Lewis Payne in the popcorn business. Interment was made in a local cemetery. He is survived by his wife, one son, one brother, father and grandmother.
Chicago, Dec. 30. George Applehans, 62 years old, died December 19 in his home, 2535 North California avenue, of pneumonia. Mr. Applehans is believed to have been almost, if not quite, the oldest ticket seller known at the time of his fatal illness. He is survived by the widow and two sons, Lawrence, a professional football player, and George, who is in the insurance business. Mr. Applehans, was for eight years ticket man with the old Sells Bros. Circus, and was the originator of the 60-cent lot ticket, now out of use. Later he was with Martin Downs' Circus and afterward went with Young Buffalo Bill's Wild West, on the formation of that show. He was also with the Coop & Lent organization. Mr. Applehans had been ill for nearly a year. The funeral was held from the home, Wednesday, December 22. The deceased had lived in Chicago for forty years. At one time he and Phil Ellsworth, of the Johnny J. Jones Exposition, had business affiliations in this city.
Billboard, January 15, 1921, pp. 44, 62, 63, 65, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Krekor Krekorian, a member of the DeKreko brothers, well known in the outdoor show world, and Mrs. Aznive Krekorian, widow of Megerditch Krekorian, were married in San Antonio, Tex., January 1, by Rev. C. A. Riley. Megerditch Krekorian, who was a brother of the groom, was killed by the Turks, while he and his family were trying to escape from Armenia to America. Mrs. Krekorian and her 9-year-old son succeeded in reaching this country.
John M. (Dad) Admire, the oldtime circus billposter and biller, who is wintering at Brazil, Ind., and who is a machinist in the winter, will hang "oil paintings' off the No. 1 car of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus next season, his third season with Joe Donahue, the car manager. "Dad" will put in his twenty-seventh season with the white tops, having trouped with Lemen Bros., Welsh Bros., 101 Ranch, Great Wallace, Forepaugh-Sells, Barnum & Bailey, Ringling Bros., Gollmar Bros. and Hagenbeck-Wallace shows.
Chicago, Jan. 5. Jasper Fulton, treasurer of Cole Bros. Shows the past season, was a Chicago visitor this week. Elmer Jones had the Cole Show out. Mr. Fulton began work with the late J. Augustus Jones, a brother of Elmer, in 1909, on the Buffalor Ranch Wild West. "I began traveling with my father in the medicine business forty-five years sgo, in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Fulton.
E. L. Burnett is wintering in his home town, Washington C. H., Ohio. Will be with the John Robinson Circus this year.
Adam Brewer, of the Damm Bros., comedy acrobats, and his new partner have signed for the 1921 season with the John Robinson Circus. This will be Brewer's fourth season on the Robinson Show.
The Parentos, novelty acrobats and contortionists, closed an engagement of twelve weeks with the Mighty Haag Show at Lake Butler, Fla., on December 23.
Savoi LaStarr and wife, aerial and tight wire artists, closed a successful season with the Richard Bros. Shows at Slocomb, Ala., December 21, and will be with the same show season 1921.
Paul W. Harrell and Bill Backell will be connected with the advertising department of the John Robinson Circus season 1921. Mr. Harrell is at his home in Edenton, N. C., and Mr. Backell is blazing the trail for "My Havana Girl."
Tim Carey, last season steward on the Howe Shows, is at present steward at the Terminal Hotel, Madison, Ill.
After a season with the Gentry Bros. Show, Jack LeVere, comedy ventriloquist, is in St. Louis, playing children's parties and lodge entertainments. LeVere says he has signed for next season with E. H. Jones to manage the side show on one of the latter's two-car shows.
King Bros., owners of the Great Sanger Circus, have engaged L. B. Greenhaw as general agent. Mr. Greenhaw has been with E. H. Jones for the past few years.
Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 4. The W. E. Morgan Show is in winter quarters here at 910 1/2 South Center street. Owner Morgan, Archie Davis and wife and Isaac Spence and wife are busily engaged on the tops. Mr. Morgaon will have a new big top this spring, also new seats. The show is to be of the oldtime one-ring dog, goat and pony variety, with an oldtime side show, and will travel by rail. Mr. Spence, an oldtimer of some forty years' experience in the circus business and known as "Dad" with some of the "big ones," will have charge of the outfit on the lot. Mr. Spence too unto himself a wife since coming into quarters in the person of Cordie Brown, a non-professional. - Billie Lendanzel
Only a few years ago Roy Barrett used to double clowning and bass drum with the Sun Bros. show. A letter from Roy states that he is playing clubs and vaudeville and for the past four years has been with the Ringling Show.
Samuel Peterson, last season Lorman-Robinson Shows, says Leo, George and Charles Friedman are going to take out a show to be called the Friedman Bros. United Shows, and are now in Baltimore negotiating for the purchase of the Steen & Franklin Shows.
John D'Alma, of Washburn & D'Alma Dog and Pony Show, has retired from the circus game and is holding down the ticket-copping job for Sam Scribner at the Gayety Theater, Brooklyn. Only a short ride from John's Long Island home.
Charles H. Long, veteran circus man, died January 4 at his home in Chicago, of a complication of ailments. Mr. Long was for many years with the old Sells Bros. Circus, and later with the Forepaugh & Sells Bros. Shows. He was with the Johnny J. Jones Exposition the past season. Theodore P. Long, now of Kansas City, Kan., for thirty years bandmaster of the Sells Bros. Circus, is a brother of the deceased. He is also survived by his widow. Mr. Long ws 66 years old, and was connected with the outdoor show business for forty years.
William McDonald (Nebraska Bill), well-known Wild West showman, died in a sanitarium at Hawthorne, N. Y., December 31, of cancer of the lip. It is supposed the cancer was caused by being struck with a whip some time ago while doing his whipcracking act. The funeral was held January 3 from the home of his sister in West Hoboken, N. J. He was the owner of the Nebrasak Bill and Prairie Wild West Show, and was associated with Dock Carver's Wild West show in 1890, Col. Jack Mulhall's Wild West at the World's Fair, St. Louis, Mo., in 1904; Frank A. Robbins Circus, Wyoming Ranch, 101 Ranch, Kit Carson's Wild West and John Robinson shows. He had a roping and whip act in vaudeville.
Mrs. Vina DeLong, wife of Ed DeLong, oldtime circus clown, died in New Orleans, December 28, after a short illness. She is survived by her husband and two children. Mr. DeLong is the brother of Fred DeLong, of DeLong & Doodles, clowns. [see Jan. 22 issue]
Billboard, January 22, 1921, pp. 62, 63, 64, 65, 90. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
San Antonio, Tex., Jan. 15. The latest development in show circles here is the announcement that Backman and Tinsch and W. F. (Doc) Palmer have formed a partnership, and will take out a fifteen car show under the title of Palmers Bros. Big Three-Ring Wild Animal Circus. Trackage has been arranged for parking the train near the winter quarters at Hot Wells, and already there are six cars assembled. Charles C. Cook has been engaged as superintendent and has started things to move in Exposition Park.
After the close of the Might Haag Show on December 26 and a few days spent with his parents at Lakeland, Fla., Roy Fortune has returned to Marianna, Fla. The Haag Show was out forty-seven weeks. The show consisted of 28 wagons, 10 cages of animals, 9 trucks, 6 passenger cars. All baggage with be transported this season on nine trucks. The past season the management had but three losing days on account of rain. The program will again be under the direction of Roy Fortune.
When the Great Sanger Circus inaugurates its season's tour next April, new ideas will be in evidence and there will be some additions to last year's staff. The engagement of L. R. Greenhaw, as general agent, is the most recent addition to the staff. The engagement of Professor Simon as band leader is now announced. Professor Simon has been with the Al G. Barnes show for the past several seasons. C. J. Burkhart will again have charge of the side show. Pete Loftis is in charge of quarters at Memphis, Tenn. Capt. Wm. Streeter is putting the elephant, Little Hip, through her paces twice every day. Runt McNae, who had the big top on the Christy Bros. Show for the past two seasons, has a crew of men turning out new seats and getting the big top in shape. J. C. (Pogie) O'Brien is assisting Pete Loftis.
Chicago, Jan. 13. Bert Hunter, who had the concessions on LaMont Bros. Shows last season, was killed near his home Monday and John J. Lenzey, a grocer, is held by the police in connection with the killing. According to the police a feud has existed between the two men. Lenzey is alleged to have shot Hunter, following a quarrel. Hunter's wife is said to have witnessed the killing from the window of her home, 3757 Wentworth avenue.
Mrs. Vena DeLong, wife of Ed DeLong, oldtime circus clown, died in New Orleans, La., on December 28, after a short illness. She is survived by a husband and two children. Ed DeLong is a brother of Fred DeMarrs and Doodles, clowns.
Fred and Doodle DeMarrs are in Pine Bluff, Ark., for the winter.
Jean and Irene Dekos will be back with the Ringling-Barnum Show this season.
Paul Davis, who played in the Barnum & Bailey Band years ago, is now with the Kilties Band.
C. W. Denney, clown, who was with Sells-Floto, is living in Eunice, La. It is said that he has given up trouping.
May Blasser, snake enchantress, the past season with the John Robinson Circus, is at her home in Lawrence, Mass.
Chris Zeitz, boss animal man, and wife, Princess Carmen, performer, last season with the John Robinson Circus, have purchased the Hotel Wells, Peru, Ind.
Three elephants of the Ringling-Barnum Circus, Albert, Babe and Queenie, were pressed into service at the winter quarters, Bridgeport, Conn., recently, to save several trains of cars from destruction by fire. The big animals pushed the trains out of danger.
George M. Kelly, once with the John Robinson Circus, is nearly 90 years old and lives at his home in Binghampton, N. Y. He was the greatest leaper of all time say "them all," including Ed G. Holland.
[Advertisement] Homer D. Hobson wants 600 people in the amusement profession with $200.00 each, to go after oil on a 480 acre tract of land in the State of Texas, where development is just starting. All of the big companies, like Sinclair, Magnolia and Texas companies, own leases adjoining this property. . . . Among those who have already expressed their willingness to go in on this are: Poodles Hannaford, Orrin Davenport, Fred Derrick, A. Hodgini, Herbert A. Beeson, Rink Wright, James Dutton, Bob Stickney Jr., Holt & Harvard (Lord Gooseberry) and numerous others. Homer D. Hobson, 5128 Fulton Street, Chicago, Illinos.
Charles A. Pheeney, who was connected with the Wallace Show for twelve years and who contracted on the Sells-Floto Circus last season, has signed to do the contracting on the Al G. Barnes Show this season, taking up his new duties February 15. Pheeney has been working on the National Western Stock Show at Denver, Col. He is in charge of the concessions and selling the floor space.
H. LaRoy's Attractions have been out seventy-six weeks. The show will remain out until spring. Mr. LaRoy anticipates taking out a one-ring circus.
Ada, Ok., Jan. 15. Everything is moving along with the Honest Bill Shows in painting and repairing. Abe Ables, electrician, is installing a new light plant, which will make two light plants for this season. Several new cages and wagons have been shipped to winter quarters. C. W. Cunningham, elephant man, will offer some new stunts this season. George W. Right is breaking in a four-pony act and an eight-pony drill, a school of Spitz dogs, numbering twelve, also a high school horse act. Honest Bill, owner and manager, is breaking in an animal act and a riding lion act. After the show was tucked away in quarters, Honest Bill went on a business trip. The first stop was at Quenemo, Kan., where Honest Bill paid the Lucky Bill Show a visit. While there he purchased a few animals, one leopard, tiger, kangaroo and a pair of yearling buffalo. Then to Kansas City, where he purchased a car load of mules. He paid the Baker & Lockwood Tent & Awning Co. a visit and exchanged his old canvas for new. Then back to winter quarters where he was joined by Panhandle Slim. They then went to Shreveport, La., and purchased a string of bucking horses. Eighteen head of bucking horses will appear in the concert this season. Panhandle Slim will be chief of cowboys. "Fat" E. Roe has signed contracts with the Honest Bill Show as producing clown and equestrian director. The show will travel on thirty-three wagons this year and will open some time in March. - Fat E. Roe
Lyons, N. Y., Jan. 13. It has just been learned that Ada Moxon, aged 92 years, and for 35 years one of the leading bareback circus riders of the country, died in the Wayne County almshouse early this winter. For eight years she was in the poorhouse at Waterloo, N. Y., Seneca County, when the officials learned she was a Wayne County charge and had her transferred there, where she died. She was known professionally as "Elsie, the Fairy Equestrienne."
St. Louis, Jan. 15. Work around the J. B. O'Neill's Trained Animal Shows quarters is progressing nicely. All the wagons are being rebuilt and repainted and a number of new wagons are being added. The new advance wagon has arrived. Eight new draught horses have arrived at quarters, also a number of Shetland ponies and a real bucking mule. The show will go out this year on ten wagons, with one in advance. There will be a new spread of canvas from cookhouse to the big top. The show last season traveled on eight wagons, with one in advance, and covered over 1,200 miles through Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee. A number of the same stands will be played this season. William Kempsmith has again signed as general agent.
W. E. Morgan's Show has moved into quarters at 910 1/2 South Central street, Knoxville, Tenn. The show will ahve five baggage wagons and will haul from the cars to the lot with a truck. It will be a one-ring dog and goat circus, with an oldtime side show. Twelve people and a six piece band will be carried and the show will play one-day stands.
Tampa, Fla., Jan. 12. T. J. Nice, known as "Monk" Wilson, passed away here at the Gordon Keller Hospital, after an illness of one week, caused by a complication of diseases. He was 66 years of age and had been a showman for forty years. He was the father of Cliff Wilson, of the Johnny J. Jones Exposition. Mr. Nice was with the Wallace Circus when it was a wagon show and was superintendent with that organization when it became a thirty-car show. He was also with Sells Bros., the old John Robinson, P. T. Barnum, Hummel, Hamilton & Weldon, Sells-Floto and the Young Buffalo Shows.
Oneonta, N. Y., Jan. 15. R. James Woodis, who spent a large part of his life as a circus driver, died January 9 at his home here, after a two weeks' illness of pneumonia. For the past fifteen years he was an employee of a furnishing company here. Mr. Woodis was born in Somerworth, Mass., on September 16, 1858. When only fourteen years of age he joined the Buffalo Bill Show. For the next twenty-five years he spent practically all of his time traveling with a number of shows. For most of this period he was a driver of parade wagons. Besides his widow, Mr. Woodis is survived by five sons. There are also two step-children.
Frank Keeble, oldtime circus trombone player, who was with Sells Bros. Circus in 1893, Ringling Bros. in 1895, and Dockstader's Minstrels for seven years, joining the latter when it organized in 1897, is now at his old home, Jefferson, Ind. He plays in orchestras in Louisville.
After closing with the Walter L. Main Circus, John Keenan spent a month in Pleasantville, N. J. Keenan has purchased two building lots in Pleasantville, on which he will have a bungalow built, and in which he will reside following the close of the 1921 season.
Cookhouse Whitey (Muckie or Muckle) has signed as chef with the Sparks Show for the coming season. For seven seasons he was with the Mugivan & Bowers Shows. Last year he was with the John Robinson Circus.
A. B. Christie (4-Paw Whitie) was with the following shows before joining the Donnelly Company at Boston, Mass.: from 1879 to 1889 with Forepaugh Shows; 1890, '91, and '92, W. L. Main Shows; 1893-'94, Music Hall, Lowell, Mass.; 1895 Buffalo Bill's Wild West; 1896 to 1899, W. L. Main Shows; 1900 Richard & Pringle's Minstrels; from 1901 to 1906, Sells-Forpaugh Shows.
Carl H. Clark, owner of Clark's Trained Wild Animal Circus, has engaged the following people: Dr. Shipley, in charge of reserved seats; Harry Porter, boss hostler, with Simmy Wood, assistant; Charles Reilly, in charge of the big top; Dan Shade, the lights, and Duddy Kane, who will handle the show over the road.
Robert A. Mills, who used to troupe with Walter L. Main when he had his two-car show out. Robert is located at Coolcoomee, N. C., where he is teaching the band of the Erwin cotton mill and swapping experiences with another well-known trouper, Harry Sells, who spends most of his time around his father's newspaper office. Mills is furnishing a band with a carnival next season and Sells goes back to clown alley with the Ringling Show.
Jimmie McNulty will have the side show with the Sells-Floto Show after several years with the Yankee Robinson Show, and has already signed up attractions, including the old ballyhoo standby, Prince Mungo.
Billboard, January 29, 1921, pp. 64, 65, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Pawtucket, R. I., Jan. 21. The coming spring will see the launching of what is intended will be one of the most complete overland circus organizations. This will be under the title of Lincoln Bros. Circus and Trained Animal Shows and under the general management and principal ownership of H. S. Palmer, grandson of the late well-known circus man, P. A. Older, and nephew of Robt. W. Fryer, for years a prominent circus owner. Mr. Palmer is by no means a novice in show business, has he has been connected with various enterprises and was formerly in partnership with the late Chas. J. Banks, an owner and manager of the Lincoln Bros. Theatrical Attractions. Mr. Palmer has purchased the entire VanVarman [sic Van Arnam] wagon circus outfit, which paraphernalia arrived in Pawtucket from Northville, N. Y. on January 11. He also purchased VanArman's [VanArnam] trained ponies, and these will be added to his other stock, which has had a competent trainer the past ten weeks. The new show will consist of circus, menagerie and side show. The outfit will include about twenty wagons, six cages of animals, one elephant, fifteen head of ring stock, the latter in charge of E. L. Jenks. The winter quarters is located in William street, this city, where a number of acts can be seen daily "working out." The show will have ten acts, in addition to the animal acts. The season starts about the first of May, the initial stand being this city. Mr. Palmer is making the Wendell Hotel here his headquarters, wher he is whipping the final details into shape, as well as overseeing the work of construction. Chas. F. Curran, last season with the Howe's London Shows, has signed to manage the side show.
Syracuse, N. Y., Jan. 20. The "smallest woman in the world," Tiny Adams Nickloy, 19 years old, weighing 25 pounds and only 20 inches tall, was stranded last Monday when she lost her pocketbook containing $40 and her ticket to a Southern point, where she was to join the Palmer Circus. She came here with her father, William Nickloy, and a nurse. When the train left Utica it was discovered that the purse, with the money and ticket, was missing. The party got off here and was taken in charge by the Travelers' Aid Society, while a telegram was sent to the Palmer Circus, requesting more funds.
Dixon, Ill., Jan. 20. E. J. Countryman, who was interested with Lenard Stark and a Mr. Fuller in putting out the Coop & Lent Circus in 1917, when it started out of Dixon, and who was cashier of the Union State Bank, which failed some weeks ago, and also a petitioner in bankruptcy, ended his life with a bullet through his brain on January 13 in the Lee County Court House. Countryman had tried to secure bail and faced the prospect of going to jail. As the sheriff led him to the courtroom he asked to step into the washroom and a moment later a report was heard. The judge and court attaches found Countryman dead with a pistol in his hand.
Work has been started on the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Shows at Samson, Ala., in view of an early opening.
Earl Moss, of the Empire Theater, Montgomery, Ala., will be the bandmaster with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus this year.
Kenneth B. Waite will return to the Yankee Robinson Circus as producing clown, having signed contracts last week.
James Farrington, circus billposter, wintering at Rochester, N. Y., will be back with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show this year, his second under Mr. Donahue. Farrington was at one time on car No. 1 of the Ringling Bros. Circus.
The wardrobe department of the Al G. Barnes Circus is a busy place at Palms, Cal. Mrs. Blackie Howard, with twenty assistants, is turning out costumes for parade and grand entry. Mabel Stark is also busy designing.
Slivers Johnson and wife have closed their vaudeville engagements, are are in Peru, Ind. Slivers has been in clown alley of the John Robinson Circus for seven seasons and will be one of the joeys on that show this season.
The Palmer Bros. & Backman Trained Wild Animal Shows will go out in fifteen cars. An added feature will be a Wild West show under the supervision of Doc Palmer, formerly of Sells-Floto Shows. Hank W. Wakefield, well-known showman, will be official representative and adjuster.
Mr. and Mrs. Elias Bell are at home in Depew, N. Y., waiting the call, when they will join the Yankee Robinson Circus for the coming season. They were formerly with Hagenbeck-Wallace, John Robinsin and numerous other shows.
Freddie Biggs and Danny Sullivan are doing nicely in vaudeville with an iron jaw act. Briggs has been one of the features with the Sells-Floto Circus for the past eight years.
Johnny Schrode, veteran circus clown, who retired from the circus (last with Barnum & Bailey) some twelve years, is acting as superintendent of the Bijou Theater in Philadelphia.
Fred (Wiggy) Williams, has settled down in Hollywood, Cal., where he has a bungalow. For two seasons "Wiggy" was press agent for the Al G. Barnes Circus. He is now continuity writer for the Universal Film Co.
Ray Wood and his two children Hazel and Anna Ray, have been spending the winter at their home in Franklin, Ky. Ray closed on November 20 with the Backman-Tinsch Wild Animal Show after a season of 38 weeks. Anna Ray closed her third season with the M. L. Clark Show, doing a wire act. Hazel was with one of Brunk's Comedians, doing parts and specialties. They will leave shortly for Texas, Ray for San Antonio to open with the Backman-Tinsch Show, after putting the children in school at Houston.
Philo Jayne, oldtime musician, died January 10 at the Cooper Cancer Sanitarium, in Oklahoma City, Ok., as the result of cancer of the face, after an illness of several months. He was born at Washington Court House, O., about sixty years ago. During his early life he trouped with Ringling and Lemen Brothers circuses and later was a member of the orchestra of the Baker Grand Opera Company.
Hattie Lawrence, of the Lawrence Sisters, trapeze performers, died December 29 at the Morristown Hospital, Morristown, N. J. Miss Lawrence was at one time with Barnum & Bailey Circus and also toured Europe under the management of her first husband, the late Nicholas Kossel. She is survived by a brother and a cousin.
Billboard, February 5, 1921, pp. 44, 62, 63, 64, 65, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
E. M. Edlyn, San Francisco insurance man, and May Peterson, equestrienne of the Al G. Barnes Circus, were married the latter part of November.
Chicago, Jan. 29. Don Montgomery, for several years musical director of the John Robinson Circus, will lead the Sells-Floto "big show" musicians this season. Mr. Montgomery was re-engaged for the Robinson Show, but through an arrangement approved by Mr. Mugivan, the transfer was made this week. William G. McIntosh, circus trouper, formerly bandmaster of the Kilties Band, will act as musical director of the John Robinson Show.
The Mugivan-Bowers Enterprises. Chicago, Jan. 28. The Sells-Floto Circus elephant lines have been increased by three new "bulls" - Mary, Kate and Young Snyder - which arrived in winter quarters in Denver last week. There are now four elephants in the middle ring act and three elephants in each of the end rings. The pachydermic performers are: Floto, Mama, Frieda, Trilby, Kas, Mo, Mary, Kate, Young Snyder and Billy Sunday.
In Washington, D. C. last week Bert Rutherford purchased for Howe's Great London Circus and Van Amburg's Trained Wild Animal Show "Little Vic," the 600 pound hippopotamus, born last May in the Washington Zoo. The baby will be expressed to the Howe-Van Amburg winter quarters at Lancaster, Mo.
There have recently been purchased from Hotchkiss, Blue & Co. by Messrs. Mugivan & Bowers, for the Sells-Floto Circus, seven new 70 foot steel sleepers, electric lighted; a performer's steel diner and a workingmen's steel diner, also electric lighted. The cost of the sleepers was $44,000. For the Sells-Floto trains the owners have bought nine new 70 foot steel flates, three new steel stock cars and a new steel advertising car, 70 feet long and electric lighted. For the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show trains they have bought fourteen new steel 70 foot flats, one 70 ft. steel elephant car and six 70 foot stock cars. For the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show also a new steel stateroom car and a new steel performers' sleeper have been purchased. The show has been equipped with Curtis' patent seat wagons.
Two troupes of performing hybrids have been added to the Hagenbeck-Wallace animal acts. There are seven animals in each group. The John Robinson circus trains have been augmented by one steel 70 foot performers' sleeper, also purchased from Hotchkiss, Blue & Co. The Sells-Floto big top for 1921 will be 150 foot round top with three fifties and two thirties. This will require an extra spool wagon, which is ready at Denver. The Howe's Great London Circus and Van Amburg's Trained Wild Animals will go out this spring on a solid steel train of twenty-five cars.
After a season of thirty weeks in 1920 the Campbell-Bailey-Hutchinson Show established winter quarters at Samson, Ala., where the work of augmenting, repairing, painting and gilding for the season of 1921 is going on under the directorship of W. P. Campbell. Among those already engaged are: Stick Davenport, who is hard at work getting new riding numbers and pony acts; a company of girls presenting iron jaw, contortion and ballet numbers; Roshetta Bros., Bert DeAra, Bill Bennett, Jack LaPearl, Texas Joe and wife, and Mazetta Troupe of acrobats. Prof. Al Langdon will again present his troupe of performing elephants in a new military number. Prof. S. W. Floyd will have a band of sixteen pieces. Lawrence LaDoux will be general agent, with an advance of twenty men. Stick Davenport will direct the big show performance and Wild West department. A. S. Conlon will have the side show and annex. He is now at his home in Louisville, Ky.
W. B. Fowler will be bandmaster of the Walter L. Main Shows the coming season.
Vernon Reaver has signed as general agent for Palmer Bros. Wild Animal Circus.
Sid Kridello and his trained canine, Prince, go back to the Cole Bros. Shows. Sid will do his swinging wire and be prominent on clown alley.
John D'Alma, formerly of dog and pony circus fame, who has been connected with the management of the Gayety Theater, Brooklyn for the past four years, is being promoted to the Haymarket Theater in Chicago.
With Edward A. Woeckener returning to the Al G. Barnes Circus as bandmaster, this will mark the ninth season for Edward with that organization.
The coming season will make the tenth year W. H. (Billy) Selvage has been associated with Andrew Downie, of the Walter L. Main Circus. During his long experience in the circus business, Selvage has spent but one season away from the white tops.
Jack Rea, boss billposter and brigade agent of the Rhoda Royal and Great Barrett Shows, recently closed his forty-seventh week at Miami, Fla., being in that State from October 30 until January 15. Mr. Rea sailed from Jacksonville, Fla. for New York. From there he went to his home in Paterson, N. J., where he will rest until the first of April. At that time he will resume the position of brigade agent with the Rhoda Royal Shows. Rea is an expert bone player, and with the assistance of the orchestra on the ship, furnished novel entertainment, giving imitations of the oldtime end men with the various minstrel companies.
Pawtucket, R. I., Jan. 27. Work on the Lincoln Bros. Circus is going along at the winter quarters in this city. Ten head of horses arrived this week and more are expected daily. Two bears just arrived and they will be broken into an act at once. The Lincoln Bros. Circus will be one of the best wagon shows on the road the coming season. A menagerie will be carried, including six cages of animals. In addition to the side show, Chas. F. Curran will have charge of the pit show. The show will open the first of May or the last week in April if the weather permits.
Chicago, Jan. 26. Doc Palmer was in Chicago last week and outlined some of his plans for his new circus. The show, which will bear the title of Palmer Bros. Big Wild Animal Circus, will have about fifteen cars. While in Chicago Doc purchased an elephant, several camels and a number of cars and wagons from the Mugivan & Bowers interests. The show will open about April 1. Mr. Palmer made out an order for seats and canvas to the United States Tent and Awning Compnay. He said that the big top will be 110 with three "forties." The animal tent will be 70 with two "thirties." The main tent will have two rings and an arena. It will be strictly a wild animal circus. The Backman-Tinsch Shows have been absorbed in the Palmer venture, and John T. Bachman [sic] will be with the show as assistant manager to Mr. Palmer. Al Tinsch will also be interested, but will not be with the show, remaining in San Antonia, Tex., to look after his other interests. Doc Palmer will be in active management of the show.
Havre de Grace, Md., Jan. 25. The painting crew with the Walter L. Main Shows is working on the train, and the sleepers and the advance car are well nigh completed. Josh Billings have been present since work started on his car, and by his choice it has been painted the "yellowest" of yelloe, and with its big red letters and black shading, it will be prominent, even at midnight in the railroad yards. Now that Josh has a crew of union billposters, he is taking life easy, but has foresworn the Havre de Grace brand of pictures and vaudeville. The six "flats" and "stocks" have arrived and the new elephant car and two new stateroom sleepers are on the way. New arrivals at the quarters every day and mealtime finds the dining room filled. At meal times and evenings there are daily concerts on the new air calliope and when the operator exhausts his repertoire there is an automatic machine that plays the "Stars and Stripes Forever" and a phonograph grinds out anything from "Lena From Palesteena" to "Broadway Rose." . . .
Wilton, Wis., Jan. 27. Work is underway at the Miller Circus quarters here for the coming season. The show will go out with the best lineup in its history, if present plans are completed. Mr. Miller is breaking more horses for his big horse act, also adding more tricks to his monkey and bear acts. The new side show top has been received. It's a 40x60, with a double-deck string of 8x10 banners. Ed and Blanche Myhre, of the Myrhe Great Eastern Shows were visitors last week. They were playing a vaudeville engagement in Wilton. The Myhres are a clever team, playing here three nights with an entire change nightly to great business. The Miller Circus will open about May 1, using four trucks and eight wagons, twenty-two head of baggage stock and nine head of ring stock. The show has been routed through Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Peter G. Earley, 22, formerly a member of the Ringling Bros. Circus, and later a page at the State House, Providence, R. I., died at the Miami City Hospital, Miami, Fla., January 22, following a severe attack of appendicitis. He was a member of the Barnum & Bailey Lodge No. 35, and the Loyal Order of Moose. The deceased is survived by three sisters. Interment was made in St. Francis Cemetery, Providence, following a solemn high mass of requiem at St. Pius Church.
Billboard, February 12, 1921, pp. 60, 61, 62. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The new show being organized at Spartanburg, N. C., under the title of Wheeler Bros. All New Shows, promises to be one of the largest and finest outfits on two cars. The canvas spread will be of big show proportion and an extensive menagerie will be carried, including an elephant, two camels, llama and five cages of cat animals. The arenic performances will be given in one ring. A twelve piece ban, augmented by an air calliope, will be used for big show concert and program, and Prof. Bickell's colored jazz band and minstrels will be in the annex. Manager Al F. Wheeler is busy at Oxford, Pa. offices completing final arrangements for the coming tour, but will shortly return to winter quarters at Spartanburg, S. C. - Frank Belmont
Sheboygan, Wis., Feb. 2. J. B. Rock will be back as general agent with Lindeman Bros. World's Greatest Motorized Circus the coming season. This show will open the season at Sheboygan, Wis., May 7. Lindeman Brothers are buildng a stake driver on a one-ton truck as a great labor saver for the coming tour.
S. Steinhauser will again be assistant to Blacky Williams on the John Robinson Circus.
The baby camel and llama with the Campbell Bros. Circus have been sold to Col. Wm. P. Hall of Lancaster, Mo.
Roy G. Marr has many concessions on the Campbell Bros. Shows.
L. J. Moss, with Hagenbeck-Wallace last year, is at his home in Amherst, Wis. He will be with the Sells-Floto Circus the coming season.
Johnnie Marinella has signed with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, opening in April.
G. K. Ringling and wife will be found on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus this season.
Dr. A. F. Roberts, physician and surgeon the past several seasons with Hagenbeck-Wallace, has again resumed his practice in Chicago. Doc will have his "croaker" box on the lot at West Baden, Ind., the latter part of April.
G. C. Hendricks, last year with the Sells-Floto Shows, goes with Jimmy Donohue on the No. 1 advance car of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows this year.
The Aerial Cowdens, for the last three seasons with the Walter L. Main Shows have purchased a residence lot in the North Bay Park section of Clearwater, Fla., where they will shortly put up a home.
J. R. Raymopnd, manager of Tom Sanger's Circus, writes that the show will open at Corry, Pa., May 15. B. R. Wheeler will be general agent, Gus Gustavston special agent, Wm. Jack in charge of No. 1 advertising auto car, Jack Nedro No. 2 auto car, Walter Kemp No. 3 auto car, and Jack Bell, route rider.
Elmer C. Myers and wife paid The Billboard a visit on their way home to Sparta, Ky. Last season they were with Gentry Bros. Shows. For the coming season Elmer C. will have the "Zula" pit show with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, while Mrs. Myers will ride menage and do her sharpshooting act in the big show.
Mr. and Mrs. Rhee Gibler, last season on the Ringling-Barnum Show. Mr. Gibler is solo cornetist with Merle Evans' Band on Ringling-Barnum, and Mrs. Gibler is none other than Billy Mack, one of the riders with Cy Compton's Wild West. Mr. and Mrs. Gibler will be connected with the big show this season.
Frank Belmont, who was for seven consecutive seasons connected with different shows under Al F. Wheeler's management, has arranged to place all of his animal acts and attractions with the new Wheeler Bros. Shows, with which aggregation he will be found the coming season in the capacity of assistant manager.
Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 4. Work of refitting the Great Sanger Circus for the coming season is about completed with the exception of painting the equipment. In the ring barn Pete Loftus is breaking a January act. Margaret Strickland is daily rehearsing her wire and iron jaw act. Arthur Berry, equestrian director, who is spending the winter on his fram near Keokuk, Ia., is expected to report some time this month. This will make Berry's third season with the Great Sanger Circus. Frank Zataro, equilibrist, also wintering in Keokuk, will again be back. Joe Simon, bandmaster, has nearly completed the roster of his band which will number fifteen pieces. Prof. Simon will also have the banners with the show. H. Highland, assistant side show manager the past two seasons, is wintering here, managing Nick Summers' cafe. Floyd King shipped three lions to the show last week which he purchased from Joe Edwards, the animal dealer in Los Angeles. Howard King, the other brother, is again back in Memphis. Les Sturgeon, superintendent of privileges is wintering at Oakland, Cal. J. D. Foss, of Seattle, Wash., privilege man, also F. H. Ashley, of Long Beach, Cal., who was with the Yankee Robinson Circus last season, have signed. Runt McNae, superintendent; Pete Loftus, principal entertainer, and Pogey O'Brien, sail maker, have all about completed their duties and are ready for an early opening.
Walter L. Main Shows. Havre de Grace, Md., Feb. 3. The main show train is about ready to hit the trail, as soon as the cars have been taken to Perryville and throughly inspected by the railroad shops there. But from the fact that several more parade wagons arrived last week, this big feature would be ready for the road. "Governor" Downie has this season made this a big feature, and has spared no expense in the purchase of all new uniforms, trappings and harness. Three bands and three music wagons will furnish plenty of music. The Main show parade will be a pleasing introductory feature of the day's program. Bill Fowler writes that he will have sixteen regular circus musicians, with some old timers in Dave Diedrick, trombonist, and Van Lewis on the cornet. A series of hippodrome races will conclude the long program. Doc Ogden will present a new side show lineup, and out in front will be found, as usual, "Doc" F. A. Cline, on the No. 1 box. Java koean is busy installing the two electric lighting systems, one for the big show and the other on the midway. - Fletcher Smith
Billboard, February 19, 1921, pp. 60, 61. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Kokomo, Ind., Feb. 11. This city is to be headquarters for the B. L. Wallace Greater Shows Company, which was lately incorporated for $100,000. Several prominent citizens of Kokomo are announced as being interested in the company. This announcement was made by B. L. Wallace, who has been in the city working out details and plans for the initial opening of the show on May 1. Mr. Wallace stated that the new show will be on the oldtime one-ring variety, fully equipped and will travel by motor trucks. No trailers are to be carried. The show will employ 250 people. A feature will be the trained animals. Mr. Wallace is well known. His long connection with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, during the time the show was under the management of his uncle, B. E. Wallace, of Peru, has been of immense value to him as a practical showman.
Frank A. Cassidy left Cincinnati for the winter quarters of the Al G. Barnes Circus at the Palms to take up his duties as press representative two weeks in advance. Mr. Cassidy has been connected with the Barnes show off and on for five or six years, working in practically every capacity in advance. He forsook the circus trail about a year ago and embarked in the picture show business.
Frank P. Meister, who had the band with the Wheeler Bros. Shows season of 1917, and last season was bandleader with Rice Bros. Shows, will again sail under the Wheeler banner as muscial director. The Wheeler Bros. Shows will open at Spartanburg, S. C., April 2.
Harry R. Overton, 24-hour agent, with Barnum & Bailey for several seasons during the late years the big show was operated as a separate organization, will again work under the Ringling banner with the Ringling Brothers-Barnum & Bailey Combined. Mr. Overton is passing the winter in Cincinnati, where he is engaged as a master printer and advertising man.
Carl M. Johnson, who was with the Howe Show last season, will be with the Sparks Show this year as boss property man.
Max Thorman, impersonator, and his partner, Joe Wilde, have signed for the coming season with the John Robinson Shows.
George Shirey, last year with Cook Bros. Circus and Wild West, says he will troupe with Howe's Great London Shows the coming season.
Orville Speer, who was not on the road last season, will have charge of the lights on the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus this season.
Albert Sigsbee will be back for his second season as general agent of Myhre's Eastern Circus. It is scheduled to open the new season at Grand Meadow, Minn., on May 1.
George V. Connor, side show manager of many years' experience with Barnum & Bailey, Hagenbeck-Wallace and others, has been signed to handle all the side shows with the Polack Brothers and World at Home Shows Combined by I. J. Polack. Edw. Reardon says he will be on the No. 1 car of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows this year.
The Barrett Show closed at Hastings, Fla., on account of extremely cold weather, writes Harry V. (Shanty) Miller. In winter quarters are Whitie Jones, Albert Arnold, Blackie Conway, Chuck Egan, Joe Pontico, James Fleming, Bob Peasley and wife, Violet King and Harry V. Miller.
Newton and Newton (Fred and Fritz), clowns, wire, aerialists, have regained all their rigging which was lost by an experss company - without it last season - and will be with Carl H. Clark's Trained Animal Circus the coming summer. The boys are at their home in Trenton, N. J.
C. P. Farrington, formerly connected with Mr. Manchester, the Rhode Islander, who has operated small wagon shows in a limited section of New England within the last few years, says that Mr. Manchester intends to put out an outfit this year under the name of the Christy Show.
Edgar Quick, for a while last season on the No. 1 car of the Ringling-Barnum Show as lithographer, who has been spending the winter with his mother at Elgin, Ill., will have a similar position on the same car with the big show.
The M. L. Clark & Sons Shows have been touring Southern Louisiana since December 16. While the matinee attendance has been only fair, ring bank crowds, it is said, have been the rule at night during the month of January. Prof. Al Johnston is making a hit with his educated ponies and dogs, giving five acts. The Kinght family is greeted with applause in its high wire, acrobatic, contortion and clown numbers. Pearl LaComa is meeting with favor. Jim Greer and three assistants are keeping clown alley alive with jokes and capers. The two big elephants give an entertaining exhibition. Prof. Frank P. Meister's Band of ten pieces is rendering music for the performance and outdoor and concert numbers. Col. M. L. Clarks is not with the show at present. Lee Clark is handling the show. The show has not been in winter quarters for more than two years, and may keep touring indefinitely, as business has been above expectations since Christmas.
C. P. Farrington, general agent of Lincoln Bros. Circus and Trained Animal Shows this season, has returned from the winter quarters of that show at Pawtucket, R. I. Ed Jenks worked the horses and ponies and is getting them in good shape. Mr. Palmer recently purchased fourteen more head of draft horses and will add some more in a few weeks. The big top will be a 70 with two thirty foot middles; menagerie 80 by 40, and a side show 60 by 30. A pit show will also be carried. Mr. Palmer has left for the West to look at some elephants, lions and camels. On his way back he will stop at Bridgeport, Conn., to look over some other show property. C. E. Curran will be the side show manager.
Denver, Feb. 11. Out where the West regions is quartered the Sells-Floto show, owned by Messrs. Mugivan, Bowers and Ballard, and managed by Henry Gentry, assisted by Jack Terrell, late of the John Robinson Shows. The new wardrobe has been designed personally by Messrs. Gentry and Terrell. Mr. Wells, equestrian director, is breaking in a new act which will work on one of the stages. Jim Williams arrived and will start work on the acts he will handle the coming season. Emery Stiles is busy with his baby elephant that he is breaking for a new act, making a three-act for each end ring, and the big herd in the center ring. He is assisted by Churchill and Highpockets. Shanty Embleton is making some new lights which he invented last season. It is a guess who turns out the most wagons a week, John Eberly out of the blacksmith shop or Curley Stuart out of the paint shop. Fred Seymour is receiving more boarders each day, as the boys have begun to arrive at quarters. Mrs. Fred Egner, assisted by three other women, is sewing and making new wardrobe. Charlie Tuckey is working at winter quarters in the day and at the Broadway Theater at night. Mrs. Wells is making some beautiful menage dresses. The writer's wife, Ethel Hamilton, is making new wardrobe and breaking her sister, Nona Marine, in for iron jaw and aerial ladder stunts. The writer is in charge of the menage horses and is busy breaking them. - Leo Hamilton
San Antonio, Tex., Feb. 9. Progress has been made getting the Palmer Bros. Wild Animal Circus ready for the road. The train, which was recently purchased by Mr. Palmer, arrived on Monday morning, bringing twenty-six head of baggage stock, elephants, camels and smaller animals, all now housed in their respective quarters. List of some who will be with it: Vernon Reaver, general agent; Jack Wright; Charles Fulton, who is well advanced on the high school stock; "Egypt" Thompson and wife - "Egypt" will have the train. Mlle. Margarette (late of the Barnes Show) is getting her acts in shape. Joe Lloyd, boss hostler; Runt Rose, on the big top; Ray Woods, producing clown; H. R. Jersey, A. M. (Jake) Brauer, Roy Ludington, John Bunting, Will G. Smith, Tim Buckley, Josey Palmer, Joseph Franks and N. C. Cushenberry. Charley Cook is handling the winter quarters. Captain Hoffman is the trainer-in-chief. The writer will be out on the No. 1 advance car, handling the press. - Geo. N. D. Hennessey
Billboard, February 26, 1921, pp. 66, 67, 68, 75. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Beaumont, Texas, Feb.17. Christy Brothers Greater United Animal Shows are busy in winter quarters with 26 men working all winter, including seven painters, under the supervision of Jack Burke, throwing the red, yellow and gold; four carpenters; two electricians getting the three old electric plants and one new one in shape in a brand new powerhouse wagon; three sewing machines; four trainers in the ring barn, which is equipped with three training rings and an arena. The show is preparing to open the coming season here Saturday, February 26.
Capt. Harry Hilton, animal trainer, died suddenly January 28 on a train between Cullman and Decatur, Ala., as a result of heart trouble. Capt. Hilton's body was taken to Cleveland, O., by his widow to be buried in the family lot at Harvard Grove Cemetery. Hilton was formerly with the Ringling-Barnum Show, Al G. Barnes Show, Wortham's No. 2 Carnival, and for the past two years was with the Greater Sheesley Shows.
Honest Bill Show will open at Ada, Ok., on March 25 for a two-day stand, then go into the oil fields of Oklahoma for a few weeks, then head northwest. The show will be larger than last season, on all new equipment, consisting of thirty specially built wagons. The big show will have a new top, seventy with two forties, and a good program, opening with grand entree, entire company in costume, one hundred head of performing and draft stock, two elephants, five camels, two buffalo, two elk, two zebra, two cages of lions, one cage of wild cats, one cage of leopards, four cages of smaller animals, two tallyhos of dogs and monkeys. The program will be as folows. Eight-pony army battalion drill, flying trapeze, revolving ladders, riding dogs, airplane clowns, ground tumblers, head balancing, four-pony statuary posing act; contortionists, clown number, slack wire, jugglers, flying rings, perch, educated pony, Cupid; iron jaw and castint act, singing clowns, performing elephants, closing with a big wild animal act. The kid show will have ten platform attractions, featuring the Dixie Six Entertainers. The concert entertainment will consist of cowboys and girls in broncho riding, trick roping, bulldogging, etc. The advance will be looked after by four people.
Lew Walsh, the Yiddisher Scotchman, in his one-man golf game, will be on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
Floyd Short, at present with Doc Noonan's Medicine Show, will be back with the Sells-Floto Circus this season.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. DeMott left for the Hagenbeck-Wallace winter quarters, as they are engaged to go with that show.
Arthur Gibson, for seven years a ticket seller of the Barnum & Bailey Circus and the past four seasons on the John Robinson Circus, will this season be superintendent of tickets on the John Robinson Shows.
Henry Blank, old circus trombone player, who made them all, from the Shelby Wagon Show to the Barnum Show, is at the Bijou Theater, Benton Harbor, Mich. He does not intend to troupe this season.
Pete Nelson, of Pete and Louise Nelson, formerly double trapeze and tight wire artists with the John H. Sparks, Sells-Floto and other circuses, is now designer and decorator with Lindeman Bros. Motorized Circus. He is at winter quarters, Sheboygan, Wis. Norman Ligthart is his assistant.
Les Zerados have closed a twelve weeks' engagement with the Santos & Artigas Circus. Les Zerados will open with the Ringling-Barnum Show.
From Council Bluffs, Ia., a six and one-half pound baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. George (Spot) Wells on February 3. Mr. Wells was formerly with Yankee Robinson, Sparks' and Coop & Lent Shows. Last year he had a concession playing fairs.
Roy Barrett writes that he will put on several new clown entrees and walkarounds. Roy McDonald, who has for the past fifteen years been in clown alley on the Ringling Bros. Circus, is with the Wood Choppers' act, singing and making announcements for the act.
Charles Robinson, 144 Strand street, Ocean Park, Cal., writes to The Billboard seeking information as to his father, J. W. Robinson who he understands died about ten or eleven years ago. J. W. Robinson was at one time with the Yankee Robinson Show, and then operated the J. W. Robinson Show. Charles Robinson's mother and father parted when he was a baby, and he always lived with his mother at Sycamore, Ill. She remarried, and he learns that there was an estate left to him, and that there was a lawyer representing the estate looking for him. At the time Charles Robinson was in Wisconsin. He writes that there ought to be some old circus people who would know something about his father's death, and where it happened.
The following, concerning the Lowande & Gardner Circus, is taken from The Times, San Juan, Porto Rico, under date of February 7: "Alexander A. Lowande, who arrived on the island a few weeks ago as one of the proprietors of the Lowande & Gardner Circus, was taken into the custody of the District Court Marshal at Aguadilla on Thursday nigth on a court order, issued in the suit of R. F. Pease vs. A. A. Lowande, for salary and expenses due and unpaid. The plaintiff in the suit made affidavit that he feared that Lowande is preparing to leave the country to avoid his creditors, and the court order, based upon that, is that Lowande shall remain in custody until he can put up $500 bonds to secure his appearance to defend the suit. Unable to find bondsmen in Aguadilla, Lowande came to San Juan Friday and appeared on Saturday morning to try and have his bail reduced. Mr. Pease was the advance agent of the show, engaged in New York by Mr. Lowande. He alleged in his suit and affidavit that Lowande left him 'on the lot' at Maraguez, refusing to pay him a balance of salary and expenses due. He alleges that Lowande had already transferred his interest in the circus to his brother and told Pease that he had sent to New York for money and proposed to leave the island." It is alleged by J. F. Brown in a letter to The Billboard that full salaries were not forthcoming after the second week out of San Juan. Among the heavy losers, he says, were the Loretta Twins, Tyler-Nelson Bros., Ryan Sisters, Bernards, the band of ten musicians and Mr. Pease, the business representative."
Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 19. The Atterbury Bros. Wagon Show, in winter quarters here, will take to the road March 19, for its 11th annual tour of the Northwest. Prof. R. L. Atterbury has returned from Hot Springs. Vic Trueblood and party of friends from Kansas City were visitors the past week. Mr. Trueblood's circus days date back to the W. W. Cole Show. Manager Atterbury is figuring with the captain of the Steamer Dixie to transport the show from Memphis to Keokuk, Iowa.
Samson, Ala., Feb. 16. There are twenty men working in winter quarters of the Campbell-Bailey-Hutchinson Circus. Without a doubt it stands today one of the nicest one-train circus and Wild West organization. All the stock, including baggage, is in the pink of condition, under the supervision of boss hostler Harry Phillips and his assistants. Some of the clowns that have signed are Jack LaPearl, Fred Cosgrove, C. A. Bennett, Bert DeAro, Crawford Droege, Geo. Jennier and T. Andrews. Texas Joe and wife have been engaged for the Wild West department to do their whip cracking act. The Katsu Suzuki Japanese Troupe will be a feature of the big show performance. Stick Davenport has five resinback horses running every day in winter quarters. A troupe of Shetland ponies, hurdle mule and six high school horses are also put through their routine of work each day. Al Langdon, with his pet bulls, Boo and Ding, gives the natives a free exhibiton every afternoon and people come miles to see them work. - Jack LaPearl
Dallas, Tex., Feb.17. Manager Dr. Byron N. Hulburd and W. M. Vick, of Hulburd's Dog & Pony Show and Trained Wild Animals, have just returned from a purchasing trip. The show will carry a 110 foot round top, with three 40 foot middle pieces, together with side show and pit show. The following people have signed: Harry F. Wertz, lot superintendent; Evelyn's Dogs and Monkeys; Suzinetta & Clark, strong act; the Three McLeans, in the Wild West department, and the oldtimer "Rube" Snodgrass and wife. Phillip Kleinberg has purchased the balloon, cane and whip privileges. The show opens in Dallas March 12 for a run of two weeks. - E. G. Lee
Billboard, March 5, 1921, pp. 60, 61, 62, 63, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Dotham, Ala., Feb. 23. W. C. Richards, owner of Richards Bros. Shows, was stabbed in two places and seriously wounded on February 14 by a negro employee of the show. It is alleged there was a slight misunderstanding and as Mr. Richards turned around to sit down to his supper the negro ran at him with a knife concealed in a cloth and stabbed him in the back, about an inch and a half from the spine, below the left shoulder blade. The knife went four inches deep, and luckily it struck one of his ribs, which prevented it from going straight to the heart. Mr. Richards was also cut very badly on the left arm, just below the shoulder, a gash four inches long, and to the bone. At present Mr. Richards is past all danger and resting nicely. This has delayed the opening of the show.
"C. P. Farrington is correct about a show going out of Boston under the title of Christie's Big Overland Circus," writes Forepaugh Whitie, "but George A. Manchester has nothing to do with it. G. A. Christie is director-general, A. B. Christie is general manager, and Johnny Mack, last season with the O'Brien Shows, is one of the owners. Tommy Gorman is general superintendent. The show will use about twenty wagons and carry fifty head of stock, one elephant and one camel."
Quenemo, Kan., Feb. 25. Things have been on the move here with the Lucky Bill Shows. This season the show will have all new wagons and the best of stock. There will also be some trucks and several touring cars, in all about twenty-five "rigs." The showgrounds, big top and all living cars will be lighted with one of the finest lighting plants. The advance will be in charge of H. J. McKay, with three assistants. The lineup at present writing is: Lucky Bill, owner and manager; Mrs. Lucky Bill, secretary-treasurer; Grace Brown, general assistant; L. M. Scott, boss canvasman with six assistants; Jim Kerr, boss of wagon stock; Shorty Elder, boss of ring stock; Dan Kline, in charge of elephants and camels. Jack Riddle will have charge of the dining car. George Proctor, with the assistance of the Twins and the Mrs., will have the concessions and the side show. The big show acts will be the Irwins, slack wire, swinging clubs, head balancing, trapeze and swinging perch; Chas. Schindler, trapeze, rings and clowning; Grace Brown, juggler and baton spinner, also featuring her Arabian menage horse, Texas Beauty. Lucky Bill and Cupid, the educated pony, will hold the feature place in the program. Charles Brown will do Punch and Judy. There will also be drill and trick pony acts, a troupe of performing dogs, and the performing elephant, Jenny. Music will be furnished by Earl Cole and orchestra. Curley Kerrell will have charge of the wild west concert. One of the features of the concert will be a contest on buffaloes, which have been secured from the 101 Ranch at Bliss, Ok. The show will open here April 2, and will make Central and Southern States, closing about November 1.
Carl Waddell will be back with the Rhoda Royal Show again, working the untameable lion.
Frank Belmont will fill the position of assistant manager and look after the press abck with the Wheeler Bros. Shows.
Helen Lloyd, horsewoman of experience, will work the ponies and high school horses with the Lincoln Bros. Circus.
The Roy Leonhart Troupe, acrobats and contortionists, who were with the Rice Bros. Show last season, are engaged for the coming season with Wheeler Bros. Shows.
The Lathams, aerialists have signed contracts with Hulburd's Dog and Pony Show, opening at Dallas, Tex., March 19.
Three Musical LaVettes, who have been with Campbell Bros. Circus for the past two seasons, have signed with Beeson Bros. Trained Animal and Vaudeville Show for the 1921 season.
It looks as if the John Robinson Circus will have for the coming season one of the fastest bunch of billposters on the road for several seasons. A. Hopper will be general agent, and the advertising cars will be in charge of P. W. Harrell and Wm. Backell.
Harry Bernhardt, ticket taker with the Yankee Robinson Show, will be back with Howe's London this season, having accepted a position as ticket taker on the pit show.
Charles Thayer, of Philadelphia, give the roster of the Martinho Lowande Circus in 1885, when the show opened in the Quaker City: Martinho Lowande, proprietor; A. Depass, treasurer; Wm. Kleinsmith, general agent; Harvey Shallcross, privileges; Deaf Tom, boss canvasman; Tom McGuirk, boss hostler; Hunt Rachel, cookhouse. Performers: Martinho Lowande, wife and children; Joseph Berris, Frank Castor, John Lancaster and John Corriea. In the concert were Trick McCarty, Rosina, Harry Garman and Norris and Earl.
Sid Kridello and his canine, Prince, the dog with the human brian, will be under the white tops again this season with Cole Bros. Shows on their annual Canadian tour. Sid met E. H. Jones at Chicago last week. Mr. Jones was accompanied by Kokomo Anders, legal adjuster. The Cole show will start the season in or near Spartanburg, S. C., April 2.
Cotton and King, after closing with the Al G. Barnes Circus, Nov. 20, 1920, opened in musical comedy at the Princess Theater, Los Angeles, for a twelve weeks' engagement. They closed there Feb. 20, having vaudeville dates that will carry then until next fall. This will be the first season in eleven years that Austin King has not been connected with a circus. He has disposed of all props and clown paraphernalia and is devoting all his time to musical comedy and vaudeville.
Lindeman Bros. have engaged Charles R. Hall, with his pony, pig, goose and dogs, for the coming season to work in the big show. Mr. Hall will also have charge of the side show. This show will have a new spread of canvas this spring. The stake driver has been tried out and is working nicely. The following people can be seen daily at the winter quarters, Sheboygan, Wis.: Theo Weber, Joseph Tonuitti, Norman Ligthart, Alvin Pantell, Billy Burkhart and the four Lindeman brothers, Billy, Pete, Charles and Al. The Christensens, double trapeze artists, who were with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and played fairs for F. M. Barnes the past season, and who are now in vaudeville, stopped of at Sheboygan and paid the winter quarters a visit. Mr. Sigsby and wife were at the quarters last week. Mr. Sigsby is the general agent for Myhre's Motorized Circus, while the Mrs. does the newspaper work. - Billy
Chicago, Feb. 25. Lorette, the clown, told The Billboard this week that he will not go with the Sells-Flotos Shows this season. He said that he had been contracted in another quarter at a higher salary than any circus would pay a single clown.
H. P. Farris Jr., who has been absent from the white tops for several seasons, will be with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Show this year. Prof. Floyd, band leader of circus and carnival fame, will have the band on Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson. Tom Watson will be with Prof. Floyd's band, his first season since 1909, at that time being with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show. Hardin Rule will also be with the band.
Harry Norman will be inside ticket man on the Howe Show.
Knoxville, Tenn., Feb. 25. The W. E. Morgan Show will play the coal fields of East Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia, and then go South for the fall. H. C. Jefferies will be general manager and Jerry Marsh will have the side show. Manager Morgan has ordered new canvas and new rigging. It is planned to remain out all next winter in the South and then play back North in the summer of 1922.
Dallas, Tex., Feb. 23. When the writer visited the Hulburd Shows' winter quarters here, manager W. M. Vick and Dr. Hulburd were too busy to talk a great deal. Among the ones on the grounds was Col. Wells, through whose courtesy the following information was obtained. Dick Ezra has signed as boss canvasman. Mrs. Hulburd, Dr. Hulburd's wife, and known in the profession as Miss Lou A. Decker, will arrive this coming week with her dancing stallion, Keystone. Also, G. C. Little and Mr. McFarlan, with their educated troupe of ponies, are expected in a few days. Over to the railroad siding sat the elegant car, Sagamore. Mr. Kirby, the new secretary and treasurer, piloted the writer through it. - E. G. Lee
Steve Lloyd, equestrian director Lincoln Bros. Circus, was in the city looking over some stock and acts and other things for the "Little Barun" show, as it is now familiarly called by showmen who have visited its winter quarters in Pawtucket, R. I. Charles R. Curran has signed Lester Miller to handle his pit show with Lincoln Bros. Circus. Mr. Miller has had a long and varied circus experience with show such as Gollmar Brothers and Barnum & Bailey.
Charles W. Bowers, 51 years old, for sixteen years a chef with Ringling Bros. Shows and for eight years with the Forepaugh-Sells Show in a similar capacity, died in Passavant Hospital, Chicago, February 26, death resulting from heart disease. Mr. Bowers had been ill a year. He was born in Lincoln, Neb., and is survived by a widow, who lives in the Bradley Hotel, Chicago. The funeral was held March 1, and burial took place in Rosehill Cemetery, under the auspices of the Stewards' and Cooks' Union.
Chicago, Feb. 28. John Carey, 64 years old, widely known circus man, died yesterday in Venice, Cal. For several years Mr. Carey had been manager of the pier in Venice. He was general agent of the Pawnee Bill Shows in 1906. Later he went with Cole Bros., and was with the 101 Ranch Show in 1910 and 1911. Mr. Carey was for several years press agent with the Walter L. Main Shows. He is survived by the widow and two children. He came originally from New York. For more than fifteen years Mr. Carey was with Ed C. Knupp, now of Mugivan & Bowers interests, on different shows.
Billboard, March 12, 1921, pp. 42, 60, 61, 62, 63, 92. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Albert E. Greene (Willie), advertising solicitor of the Sparks Circus, and Minnie Thompson, menage rider of the same circus, were married in Macon, Ga., February 22.
Since publishing a brief notice of the death of John D. Carey, circus man, who passed away at Venice, Cal., February 27, The Billboard has received further information. Death was from heart disease. Funeral services were held from the Elk's chapel, February 29, under the auspices of the B. P. O. E. No. 906, of which Mr. Carey was a member. Burial was at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Santa Monica. At the time of his death Mr. Carey was city editor of The Evening Vanguard, with which publication he had been for a number of years. For years he had been a newspaper man. His first work was under Amos J. Cummings in New York. Later he graduated from The New York Sun and worked in Chicago, Buffalo, St. Paul, St. Louis, Cleveland and other important cities. Finally he was drafted into publicity work. He was publicity man for Barnum & Bailey, Ringling Bros., Buffalo Bill, Adam Forepaugh, Sells Bros., Pawnee Bill and others equally well known. Before engaging with circus work he was in the theatrical business. He was publicity man for Minnie Palmer when she was making a tour in "My Sweetheart." Later he was advance man for Jarrett & Palmer's "Lights of London." Another noted engagement was with Kiralfy's "Around the World in Eighty Days."
Samson, Ala., March 4. Much work is being done in getting the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Show in readiness for the coming season. In quarters here are Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Green, Stick Davenport and niece Effie Davenport, Della Gronbolts, Olga Griffin, Tresa Kline, Babe Green, Mrs. Texas Joe, Harry Miller, J. A. Johnson, Frank James, Shorty Fingers, Shorty Taylor. Messrs. Kline, Griffin and Langdon are engaged in getting the menage, elephant and animal acts in working order. Frank Davenport has charge of resin back and high school horses, Jack Dempsey has charge of the cookhouse, Texas Joe is looking after the Wild West stock, Harry Phillips is boss hostler, and Blackie Sloan assistant. - A. S. Conlon
Earl H. Page will be with Sells-Floto in a principal riding act.
The Howe's Great London Circus will travel in 25 cars this year, including one advance car.
Roy Haag is fixing for the M. L. Clark Overland Shows following a short rest at his home in LaFayette, Tenn.
Cecil V. Denny has signed with the Al G. Barnes Circus and will be seen in clown alley. He was with Sells-Floto the past season.
Al Flosso, the boy magician, is back on the Barnes Circus, his third season.
Deacon Albright, calliope player, has been compelled to cancel his contract with the Sells-Floto Circus on account of his health. He felt that he could not stand the long parades.
Seven new steel flats and one steel stock car were added to the Al G. Barnes Circus train last week. This will give the Barnes Show 30 cars, including the two advance cars.
Al Butler, contracting agent for ten seasons with the Sells-Floto Circus, has been engaged to do locals with the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus. Butler spent the last season at his home in Venice, Cal., his first layoff in fourteen years.
The Al F. Wheeler, two-car circus, formerly known as Rice Bros. Shows, will be seen in Ontario and Quebec this season.
Horace Laird and his new clown partner, John Nadeau, open next week in vaudeville in a new act, "A Day at the Circus." They will be with the Walter L. Main Show this season.
John F. Dusch left Cincinnati for Lancaster, Mo. He will again direct the band with Howe's Great London Shows.
Christy Bros. United Shows opened the season at Beaumont, Tex., with the following lineup in the side show: Jack Friedman, manager; Prof. Golden, inside lecturer; C. C. Gibons, boss canvasman; Mabel James, banjosit; the Musical Kilties, Scotch bag pipes; A. Golden, sword walking and ventriloquist; Prof. Nelson's trained baboon; Ethel Delmar and May Hildreth in the oriental show; the Camerons, flageolet and drums.
One of the prettiest acts in the way of bicycles, which opened on the Miles Circuit, is that of Tom Sanger and his two girls. Tom will be found on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus this season.
Ray Glaum played at the Indoor Circus and Mardi Gras at the armory, Louisville, Ky. last week. He will be with the H.-W. Show this season, doing his character impersonating on the track during the come-in and filling up clown alley.
Eddie Jackson this season will do the press for the Sparks Circus, working back with the show.
Neil Wanamaker, formerly of the Buffalo Bill and Miller Bros. 101 Ranch Show, who resides in Canton, O., will join the Smith Greater Shows.
Ed H. Riche, for the past two seasons on the No. 1 car of the Ringling-Barnum Show, will be with Mr. Goodhart again the coming season.
Kokomo, Ind., March 5. The No. 2 advance wagon of the Wallace Greater Shows was turned out of the paing shop February 20. This is a 1 1/2 ton truck, with heavily carved mirrors, etc. The show will use No. 1 and No. 2 trucks for the advance, under W. O. Tarkington. Prof. Bronson and his concert band will be one of the features of the show. Recent additions to the show are Clark Boynton and his canine circus; Suzenette and Clark, cannon ball juggling and slack wire; Aerial Clarks, traps and contortion act. The big show will feature a six-brother act. Ray Dick has a good side show lined up, both for the No. 1 and No. 2 side shows. One of the feature attractions for the big side show will be Chief William Barnett and wife in their Zulu musical act and collection of relics of oldtime Zulu warfare. The show will be new from stake bands up. An innovation in lighting has been perfected whereby the trucks generate the current to light the show. Two of the stockholders in the show, J. W. Graham, and brother E. W. Graham, have daughters in the profession. J. W.'s daughter is Catherine Cooper, now with the Gotham Players. E. W.'s daughter, Madeline Graham, is at Winter Haven, Fla., for the winter.
Montgomery, Ala., March 4. The writer on a trip to Montgomery, Ala., recently visited the winter quarters of the Rhoda Royal Circus, located out at the Old Camp Sheridan site, known as Vandivers Park. This location affords facilities that are modern, some of the buildings being equipped with steam heat, electric lights, hot and cold running water, and housing accommodations for storage of wagons. The ring barn was a busy place, where many new acts were being broken. In the animal building a new steel arena had been installed. Had the pleasure of meeting Dan (Live Wire) France, who is responsible for the destination of the Rhoda Royal Shows. - W. R. Arnold
Those engaged for Lincoln Bros. Circus are H. S. Palmer, manager; C. F. Curran, side show; C. P. Farrington, general agent; George Kennard, canvas; Henry Hamlin, boss hostler; E. L. Jencks, head trainer; H. F. Storin, auditor; Steve Lloyd, assistant manager and equestrian director. Lester Miller has been engaged as manager of the No. 2 side show. C. H. Johnson, last season with Howe's Great London Shows, will be head ticket seller on the side show.
The Loretta Twins, who were with the Lowande-Gardner Circus touring Porto Rico, write The Billboard from Ponce, Porto Rico, February 8: "We had a contract with Mr. Lowande for twenty-five weeks. We also had $600 advance money that we received two days before we sailed from New York City to San Juan, for the return fares from Panama to New York City, which was given to us by Alex Lowande, and also stating same in our contract. We worked four weeks and three days, only receiving three weeks' salary. When we asked Mr. Lowande to pay us he said that would would work out the $600 he had given us for the fares. We refused to do this, so stopped work at once. With the advanced money besides, Lowande still owes us money. We are still in Ponce, where we stopped work, and are planning something for the future. We wish to state that Mr. Tyler, of Tyler's Dogs and Pones, was also with the Lowande-Gardner Circus. Mr. Tyler was left on the lot in Ponce broke, and had nothing with which to feed his animals. We gave him money for food. He has taken his case to the police and is awaiting action. Harold Williams of New York City has a suit against Alex Lowande, which is in the hands of lawyers here, awaiting final decision."
Havre de Grace, March 3. The Main Show is near ready for the road. This week the Main elephants and camels are participating in big Shrine indoor circuses at Baltimore and Philadelphia. "Gov" Downie, an enthusiastic Shriner, accompanies the elephants and works them in conjunction with trainer Jack Davis. The menagerie has been augmented by the addition of two lions, a puma and three camels. Another shipment is on its way, and this feature will present fourteen cages this season. Equestrian director Ray O'wesney has met with success in breaking several menage horses, a pony drill, and well as breaking two sets of dapple greys for carrying acts. Josh Billings' advance car, the "Yellow Peril," as he has christened it, has been remodeled and rebuilt. Sallie Huges has made progress with the wardrobe, with Mrs. George Coy and several seamstresses busy a good part of the winter, and the parade will be gorgeous. Bandmaster W. B. Fowler writes he has secured his full quota of 20 men, a bunch of oldtime circus musicians. Billy Emerson will return this season and perform on the steam calliope. There will be an air calliope in parade and one with the band. - Fletcher Smith
Grand Meadow, Minn., March 4. Ed and Blanche Myhre closed their hall show at Norwalk, Wis., and are now in winter quarters getting the circus ready. Alvin Krause is overhauling the trucks, while Pete Wynkop has charge of the repainting. The trucks will all be decorated with wood carvings this season, and gold leaf will not be spared. Bert Magary has charge of the animals, and the dogs, ponies, goats and bears get their lessons daily. Albert Sigsbee will have the advance again this season, Mrs. Sigsbee taking care of the mail. The Hansen Family has signed again to do their ring and iron jaw acts. Chas. B. Paul will have charge of clown alley, while A. J. Duffy and Eben Johnson will handle the "kid" show.
Chambersburg, Pa., March 5. Things are humming around the quarters of the Carl H. Clark Animal Circus. Mr. Clark has built two new wagons and has added another truck to the show to carry the big tent. He has bought a new big top, a seventy with two thirties. He will go to Harrisburg to buy new draft horses. Claude Daniels and wife will be on the show. John Cave will have the stock, his second season. Percy Karper will have the band. Dan Bodder, formerly of the Barnum Show, has signed as drummer. Mrs. Clark will play the unafon. The show will open the latter part of April and play through Pennsylvania and New York States.
Dallas, Tex., March 4. Bert J. Chipman has signed as general agent with Hulburd's Show, replacing C. D. Lavy, who died. The following have signed during the past week: Ed N. Bell as side show manager, Alton acrobatic troupe, the Lathams, aerial gymnasts; Frank G. Kelly and wife. Frank Kelso has arrive at quarters and is breaking a troupe of dogs, goats and ponies.
W. S. Davis, oldtime circus man, died March 2, at Memphis, Tenn., as the result of dropsy, at the age of 55 years. The deceased was at one time connected with a candy company at Merigold, Miss. The remains were interred at the Forest Hill Cemetery, Memphis. He is survived by his widow.
C. F. McConnell, known at Tommie Fisher, for eighteen years assistant superintendent of properties with the Ringling Bros., died March 4 at his home in Ironton, O.
Mrs. McConnell, mother of the late C. F. McConnell, died March 4, at her home in Albia, Ia., after an illness of four years. She was a member of the Siegrist-Silbon Troupe with the Ringling Brothers. The deceased is survived by a daughter, son, brother and sister.
Billboard, March 26, 1921, pp. 60, 61, 62, 63. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Canton, O., March 17. Bushie Miller and wife, Hilda, acrobats, whose home is in this city, will join the Sparks Circus, with which show they have been for several years.
Montgomery, Ala., March 18. The Rhoda Royal Circus will open here on April 6-7, showing under the auspices of the Anti-Tuberculosis League of Montgomery.
Emil A. Arp is at the winter quarters of the Miller Circus, Wilton, Wis., arranging the route for that show. It will tour Wisconsin and Minnesota. Mr. Arp was with this show as general agent when it was organized. A sixteen piece band will be carried, also a side show.
Maysville, Ky. March 18. Shropshire's Motorized Show winter quarters here were almost destroyed by fire on March 14. Several trucks and cars and show paraphernalia were burned. As a result the show will not open as scheduled April l8.
Roy Smith, late of the Yankee Robinson Circus, was married to Bertha Drevanz, oriental dancer, on January 17. They are residing in Akron, O., but will be with Sells-Floto this season.
James Walters, contortionist, has signed with Sells-Floto.
Duke LaMae has signed with Gentry Bros. Shows as calliope player.
Pewee, the acrobatic clown, will be one of the cutups with the Howe's Great London Circus.
Earl Shipley is visiting his folks at Willow Springs, Mo., before joining the Sells-Floto Show in Chicago.
Eddie Limoge will be back in clown alley with the Howe Show after a winter with indoor shows.
The Stickney Family of riders will return to the Rhoda Royal Circus, opening at Montgomery, Ala., April 7.
Fred Coyle will do female impersonations and fill in on clown alley with the John Robinson Circus.
Cy Green, the Yankee rube and pantomime artist, will be found on the Sells-Floto Show. Cy will break into motion pictures following the close of the season.
Billy (Bobby) Johnson is spending a few days with his parents at Albany, Ala., prior to joining the Walter L. Main Shows. He recently signed a contract with Josh Billings.
Dee LeRoy will be inside lecturer and assistant to Ray Daly in the Howe side show. Guy Smuck will sell tickets and Charlie Martin will again make the big show announcements.
Juanita Murray will again be with Gentry Bros. Shows as mind reader and fortune teller.
J. E. (Doc) Ogden will be with the Walter L. Main Show as manager of the side show.
Roster of James Concert Band en route with Christy Bros. Shows: Everette James, director; B. Kristie, J. Martin, E. James, R. Ybarra, ___, W. Hodgson, J. Schlicting, G. Ed Brown, J. Doebeck, C. I. Kearney, J. Burnhart, L. Mittendorf, L. Smith, Kid Turley and Master Harry James.
Davis & Sons' Wagon Shows, which have been playing Louisiana, are now moving toward the Coast. Cornell, Tex., was recently played for three days and nights. The show has ten wagons, twenty-eight head of horses and mules, ten ponies, eight dogs, three bears, one leopard, six monkeys, one spider monkey, one porcupine and other small animals.
The Hanson Family are now at the quarters of Myhre's Great Eastern Shows, with which show they will be connected this season. The Hansons put in twenty-two weeks with the Myhre Show last season. This season they will have charge of the concessions, in addition to doing their iron jaw, ring and head balanceing acts in the big show. Baby Theo will one one of the features in the concert.
Christy Bros. Greater United Wild Animal Shows opened the season at Beaumont, Tex., February 28. The big show program is under the direction of B. B. Dennis, and is as follows: Display No. 1, three mounted lady singers, Gertrude Dennis, Mable James and Pearl Gibbons; No. 2, Aerial Martins and George Grink, Roman rings; No. 3, Shetland ponies, worked by B. B. Dennis and Prof. Golden; No. 4, clowns; No. 5, dancing in the lion's den by Miss Glenn; No. 6, flying perch, J. Martin, M. Zeldo and M. James; No. 7, angora goats, worked by Merritt Bellew and B. F. McKeehan; No. 8, clowns; No. 9, Lee Smith, hand balancing, M. Zeldo, head balancing, J. Martin, contortionist; No. 10, Capt. Dennis troupe of African lions; No. 11, Joe Dobeck and Great Bink, comedy jugglers; No. 12, clowns; No. 13, concert announcement; No. 14, posing acts by B. Dennis, Mrs. Dennis and Robert Cook; No. 15, Mable James, butterfly iron jaw act; No. 16, riding dogs, monkey and ponies by B. B. Dennis, Prof. Golden and Merritt Bellew; No. 17, performing black bears and troupe of monkeys; No. 18, clowns; No. 19, the Binks, wire act; No. 20, the Cadona act, performing zebras, elephant and dogs; No. 21, concert announcement; No. 22, menage acts by Pearl Gibbons and Mable James, Gertrude Dennis and Robert Cook and Merritt Bellew; No. 23, Christy Bros. troupe of twenty performing dogs; No. 24, High leaping grey hounds.
Prof. Everett James has the band comprising fifteen musicians. Little Harry James, four years old, does a musical act in the concert. George Vasell, heavyweight wrestler from Chicago, is featured in the concert. Thje side show, a 50 foot round top with three 30 foot middles, is under the direction of Jake Friedman and a creditable performance is given by Prof. Nelson and his trained baboons; Prof. McKeenan, sword walkter; Madame Mazie, musical act and mind reading; Ethel Delmar, Hawaiian dances; three Musical McCammons. A Scotch band furnishes the side show music. Nine cages of animals are also displayed in the kid show. The pit show is handled by Joe Quinlan and is bedecked with a new banner front. The attractions include Jolla Eva, fat girl; baby lions, monkey circus, snake and alligator pit. C. Shelton has all the privileges. He recently received a new candy wagon. Electric light is furnished by the show's own "power house."
Herbert Swift, who used to be one of the principal ends with Hi Henry's Minstrels, and who has led many a circus band, as well as the bands with the Brownlee & Reed attractions, has been hiding out in Washington for the past four years holding down a job in the office of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. But Herb has the fever bad this season, and it is back to the road for him.
Walter Maguinness, for several years side show boss canvasman with the Sparks Show, will fill a similar position with the Walter L. Main Show. Tom Atkinson, superintendent of the Main Show quarters, whose scenery and wagons for his big dog and monkey act were destroyed in the recent City Hall fire here [Havre de Grace], has received an entire new outfit and will be ready for the opening of the Main Show. Charles Carey, who used to cook for the Sparks Show bunch for the past eight or nine years, is going to show the Main Show troupers how good a chef he is the coming season. Whitie Warren comes back to the Main Show this season as trainmaster. W. H. Hartman, "Muldoon," is putting his dining car in readiness for the opening of the Main Show.
John Henry Rice is now doing the locals for the Howe London Show on the Pacific Coast.
Jerome Harriman, who had the reserved seat tickets with the Main Show for the past three seasons, put on a successful society circus in Baltimore last week, and then left for Peru, Ind., with his wife, to join the Robinson Show for the coming season.
Billboard, April 2, 1921, pp. 60, 63. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Dallas, Tex., March 26. Dr. B. N. Hurburd has disposed of his interest in Hulburd's Dog and Pony Show, with the exception of the title. The show will take the road under the name of Coleman Bros. Shows, G. L. Kirby, manager. Hulburd has not as yet make any plans for the coming seasson.
Tetu Robinson and Jerome T. Harriman will be with the John Robinson Circus.
Tom Ambrose, former circus announcer, is now with the Al G. Barnes Circus as banner man.
John F. Fenelon has signed as second agent with Coleman Bros. Shows. He will have four billposters.
Jerry D. Martin will leave the Christy Bros. Show April 2 and join the Sells-Floto Circus for the 1921 season.
Frank Kelly, formerly of the Yankee Robinson Show, is head porter on the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Show.
Sam J. Banks passed through New York week before last en route to join the Rhoda Royal Circus.
George Hemel and Frank Otto, of Madison, Wis., will have a new and complete barber shop on the Ringling-Barnum Show.
Mr. Miller, of Miller's Circus, is busy training pigs, bears, monkeys and horses. The shows will carry a 10-in-1 show of live animals.
Frank Cassidy is back on the job with the Barnes Circus as contracting press agent.
The Silvas Brothers and the Flying Cromwells have been booked for the Ringling-Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Guy Wheeler, last season with the Sells-Floto Show, has been engaged to play the calliope with the Howe Show.
Ed Raymond is one of the joeys at the Elks' Indoor Circus at Toledo, O., this week. Raymond will be with the Sells-Floto Circus during the Chicago engagement, then in clown alley on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
"Gentleman Joe," the original elastic skin man, will join the Sells-Floro shows this season. "Joe" was with the Polack shows last season.
Ed Quick, of Elgin, Ill., joined the No. 1 car brigade of the Ringling-Barnum Show as lithographer. Mr. Quick held a similar position for a while last season on the same car.
PeeWee, the acrobatic clown, will be with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus this season, instead of Howe's Great London Shows, as at first intended.
Tommy Alvin, contortionist and aerial gymnast, who has been with the John Robinson, the Howe's Great London and the Hagenbeck-Wallace shows, will be with the Walter L. Main Show this season.
Frank (Doc) Stuart, advance man, is this season handling the press on Howe's Great London Circus and Van Amburg Trained Wild Animal Show.
Billboard, April 9, 1921, pp. 64, 65, 66. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of the Walter L. Main advance car, "Yellow Peril": Josh Billings, maanger; O. Ramage, boss billposter; William Perrault, Fred Bowers, Fred E. Bond, Billy Courtwright, W. M. Claggett, Harry J. Mansfield, Mike Noonan, Edward Rivers, Frank ___, Oscar S. Decker, billposters; George Caron, brigade agent; Frank J. McCann, E. F. Colton, banners; J. M. Donahue, Bones Holden, lithographs; Billy Johnson, A. O. Delmas, programs; Joshua Brown, chef; Tommy Watkins, porter.
Samson, Ala., March 31. The Campbell-Bailey-Hutchinson Combined Circus and Wild West inaugurated its tour here last Saturday, playing to good business. The program opened with a patriotic ensemble. Prominent among the acts are the Crillion Troupe in feats in the air and on the ground; the Davenport family of riders; Azuki Japs; performing elephants; Rochetta, the man who walks on his head. The Wild West exhibition is entitled, "The Passing of the West."
Charles Fredericks writes that he will be with the John Robinson Circus as a member of clown alley.
Kitty LaRock will do double trapeze and rings with Mrs. Jack Bennett on the John Robinson Circus. They will be known as the Bennett Girls.
Chris Zeitz, boss animal man with the John Robinson Circus for the past ten years, will not troupe this season. He is operating Wells, a hotel in Peru, Ind. Mrs. Zeitz (Princess Carmen) will remain in Peru.
After a season of four months in Southern Louisiana, Frank P. Meister has left the M. L. Clark & Sons Show. Meister will be with the Wheeler Bros. Show as band leader, his fourth season with Al F. Wheeler.
The Campbell Bros. Shows business has been big since opening at Oxnard, Cal., March 3. The show played around Los Angeles for ten days. Harry J. Crabtree joined the advance at Oxnard. C. O. Schultz is the brigade agent, with two assistants.
Roster of Coleman Bros. two-car shows: W. M. Vick, general manager; G. L. Kirby, secretary and treasurer; H. J. McFarland, equestrian director; Chas Phelps, band leader; C. C. Clark, legal adjuster; E. L. Yagla, outside stands; John F. Fenelon, general agent; three billposters. Bert Chipman will not be with the show, according to general agent Fenelon.
Richard & Son Shows opened the season at Bandera, Tex., April 1. It is a motorized overland circus, under the management of F. Richards, and is transported on six trucks and three touring cars. Thirty people are carried. The program: No. 1, costumed chorus number by six girls; No. 2, S. LaStarr, loop walking and combination casting act; No. 3, LaStarr Sisters, singing, talking and dancing novelty; No. 4, Mrs. Dollie Cohen, acrobatic dance; No. 5, Conley and Bessie Richards, black and tan act; No. 6, the LaStarts, novelty tight wire act; No. 7, Mrs. F. Richards, swinging perch; No. 8, barefoot dance by Madam LoTama; No. 9, S. LaStarr, single trapeze; No. 10, Mrs. S. LaStarr, flying ladder; No. 11, F. Richards Jr., contortionist; No. 12, clown number by S. LaStarr and three assistants; No. 13, F. Richards, illusion and magic, No. 14, chorus number; No. 15, Neil Brown, Roman rings; No. 16, finale, entire company. Leo Brown has the big show canvas and Frank Ellis the side show canvas. Bill Ray is in advance. Savoi LaStarr is the producing clown, Mrs. F. Richards has charge of the concert, and Mrs. S. LaStarr has charge of the chorus numbers. The show will tour the Western States. - Savoi LaStarr
Kokomo, Ind., April 1. Everything at the winter quarters of the B. L. Wallace Shows is running smoothly. The following have recently signed contracts with the show: Robert McDaniels, contracting agent; Glen Golding, driver of advertising car No. 2; Ralph Bliss, lithographer and programmer, car No. 2; F. M. Farrell, assistant side show manager. Ray Dick will be in charge of the side and pit shows. The opening date has been set for May 6-7 at Kokomo.
George Barton, who was formerly a Walter L. Main trouper, and who last season had a Wild West show of his own on the road, has signed with the Main Show and will present the wild west concert.
Billboard, April 16, 1921, pp. 62, 63, 108. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Wheeler Bros. Shows opened the season at Fountain Inn, S. C., April 2. Among the acts that met with special favor: the Whitties in bounding wire and iron jaw numbers, the Leonhart Troupe in acrobatic and contortion acts, Arthur Whitler in tight wire and flying trapeze, Thos. Moss in juggling and a novel balancing number, Jack Marcy in comedy juggling and contortion, the Wheeler Bros. famous dancing horses, together with seven other animal acts presented by Prof. Frank Leonard. Clown alley, Roy Lenhart, Jack Marey, Jim Greer, Shorty Hughes. Frank P. Meister has the band. Frank LaVere has charge of the annex. Al Cooper has charge of the pit shows and the oriental department. Frank Belmont is assistant manager and looks after the press. Art James, treasurer; Joe Dempsey, superintendent; Blackie Shaffer in charge of stock, Fred Adams in chargo of elephants and animals, Chas. Pease, steward; Bob Cook, advertising banners.
Cole Bros. Shows, according to Fred Leslie, opened the season at Greer, S. C., April 2. The roster: E. H. Jones, sole owner and manager; Frank Jones, general superintendent; Frank Goldie, side show manager; Al Anderson, pit show manager; Vern Crawford, candy stands; Mrs. Crawford, assistant; Denny Helm, big show tickets; Frank Welsh, reserved seat tickets; Denny Higgins, superintendent of seats and big top, with fifteen assistants; Whittie Crossett, trainmaster; Owen Lewis, equestrian director; Rab Canfield, superintendent stock; Happy Fields, animal man; Arthur Vimaill, director of eleven piece band.
The performers include Lou Morris, juggling and bicycle monkeys; Amy Morris, juggling, iron jaw and swinging perch; Jimmy Brooks, single trapeze, slack wire and perch; LaRoy Williams, contortion and hand balancing; Sid Kridello, wire act and his dog, Prince; performing elephants, Happy Fields, trainer; pony drill, performing goats, leaping grey hounds and riding dogs, Owen Lewis, trainer; Fred Salmon, producing clown; Sid Kridello, comedy acrobat and clowning; Fred Leslie, producing, singing and talking clown, with his mule, Barbecue, and pony; Hersoko and troupe of four Japs, in a series of head balancing, wire walking, foot slied and posturing acts. In the concert are Fred Leslie's musical tab., featuring Lacedil Hoey and Millie Lacy in a series of buutterfly and toe dancers; J. E. Norman, accordion soloist; Kridello, monomogist; Fred Salmon, banjoist; Mae Brooks, contortionist; Aye Morris in dances on the wire.
Elgin, Ill., April 8. E. S. Patterson, last season with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, took hold of the Zoo at Rockford, Ill., on March 27, and will not be with the white tops this season. The report further says that when Patterson was 17 years old, he left home to join the John Robinson Circus, and was with that show eight years; that his first job was in the menagerie, and because he was forced to do so to hold his job, he read animal books. In this way he learned much of zoology.
The Lombard & Hathaway Shows. The big top is an 80 with a 40. The show will have sixteen wagons and forty head of stock.
Celeste, the wire walker, is back after five years in Europe. He has joined the Sells-Floto Shows.
The No. 2 car of the Rhoda Royal Circus is in charge of J. L. (Jack) Bledsoe.
F. D. Nelson will be with the John Robinson Circus, doing a Charlie Chaplin bit.
Capt. H. Snider, lion tamer, will be with the Great Sanger, instead of the Atterbury Show.
W. C. Gallaher, of Fall River, Mass., has signed up for the No. 3 car of the Ringling-Barnum Show.
Mae Ollie and her den of reptiles will be with Sells-Floto annex. Mel Burtis will sell side show tickets.
Roy Clark is the new keeper for the Ringling-Barnum gorilla, "John Daniels." Roy was connected with the menagerie last season.
C. P. Farrington has engaged W. H. Middleton as "cook" on the Lincoln Bros. Circus.
Cy Green (Rube) will take his rural character with the Sells-Floto Circus this season.
Eddie James, chef on the Gentry Bros. Shows for eight seasons, has signed with the Great Sanger Show. He will have charge of the lunches at night.
Barney Demarest, of Wild West fame, is back from Cuba. He is in Baltimore, where he will install a free circus, composed of stallions, jumping and high school horses.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bert, who were recently married, will be with the John Robinson Circus.
George and Gil Everett, knockabout clowns, are at home in Newark, N. J., framing gags and walkarounds.
Jay Smith will be ticket seller for the Ringling-Barnum Show, replacing R. B. McKenzie, who is treasurer at the Coliseum, New York, and will not go out on the road this season.
Bobbie Fisher, for the past three seasons with the Charles Siegrist Troupe, with the Ringling-Barnum Show, will this year be with the Nelson Troupe on the Sells-Floto Show. An eight pound girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Fisher on April 2.
M. K. Boylan, Bloomington, Ill., veteran billposter, is now working for the C. & A. Railroad. He was formerly with the Wallace, Ringling Bros. and Hagenbeck-Wallace shows.
H. L. "Buck" Massie, ex-circus agent and moving picture studio manager, is now general manager of the Associated Producers' own theater at Los Angeles.
The Larkins, jugglers and wire artists, visited The Billboard last week on their way to join the Walter L. Main Show. They were with the Haag Show the past winter. Mrs. Larkins is a sister of Honest Bill and the daughter of Lucky Bill.
Lincoln Bros. Circus has been moved from the old Pawtucket quarters to the fair grounds in Providence because more room was needed. It opens in Providence April 28.
Henry Miller Millette, a member of clown alley on the John Robinson Circus in 1916, writes that he is now known professionally as Billy Franz, singing and talking comedian. He is with Ingram's Novelty Orchestra. His sister, Babe Marie, aerialist, will be with the Harry Copping (Carnival) Shows.
Hank W. Wakefield, showman and former adjuster of the Great Wallace, John Robinson and Sells-Floto shows, has established an advertising bureau for a chain of hotels. He is advertising manager for the Coates House, Kansas City.
Charles R. Colby died suddenly at Alpine, Texas, Sunday, April 3, from Bright's disease, a the age of 41 years. He was unconscious for twelve hours, having bursted a blood vessel, causing apoplexy. He was away on a trip at the time as agent for the DeKreko Bros. Shows. Mr. Colby was born in Chicago, January 15, 1880. He had been in the show business for twenty-five years. For five years he was with the Tom Marks Stock Co., touring through Canada, and had been with C. W. Parker, H. W. Campbell, Ed A. Evans, Sells-Floto, Howe's Great London, Barnum & Bailey and Kaplan's Greater Shows. Burial took place at Alpine. He leaves besides his wife a father, half brother and stepmother. Mrs. Colby lives at 408 Avenue E., San Antonio, Texas.
Ernest Lane, 22, a member of the Flying Wards act, with the Sells-Floto Shows, died April 8 in a Chicago hospital, of injuries suffered when he missed his hold and fell during a rehearsal of the act in the Coliseum the previous day. He was one of the most skilled artists in a highly skilled act. Particularly strange is the fact that he fell on is back in the same position assumed by all members of the act at its clows when they are ready to "come down." He was carried to his dressing room by W. J. (Slim) Allen, who was watching the rehearsal and heard Lane groan after striking the net. It is assumed that an artery was bursted, as no broken bones or displaced ligaments in the neck or back were discovered. The body was taken to Bloomington, Ill., for burial, accompanied by Mr. Allen as escort, furnished by the Showmen's League of America. Mr. Lane is survived by the widow and a young son. He is said to have no other immediate relatives.
Billboard, April 23, 1921, pp. 64, 65, 66, 116. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Atterbury Bros. Show is in its fourth week, playing Illinois territory to fair business. It will continue in this territory for the next four weeks. Business in Kentucky and Tennessee was also fair. Billy Mack and wife visited at Cairo, Ill. He is organizing a small wagon show and Wild West, which will soon take to the road. Van Jerome, contortionist, is a recent additions to the program. Dell Simmons, principal clown, will join April 18. He has been ill for the past three weeks. Vincent Galligher took charge of the elephants and animals at the opening of the season, Capt. Snyder having returned to Memphis. - W. A. Allen
F. H. Gentry, circus man, said he has closed the final details of his expired contract with the Sells-Floto Shows, and will return to his home in Bloomington, Ill.
Rex Wilson has joined the John Robinson Shows as 24-hour man.
Joe Bowen will be with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus in clown alley. W. H. Tadlock, clown, will be with Hagenbeck-Wallace.
J. Raymond Morris will be on the No. 3 car of the Ringling-Barnum Show.
Harry Paxton will again be assistant to G. H. Williamson with the John Robinson Circus.
D. M. Spayd has joined the Rhoda Royal Circus as mail agent. He was on the No. 2 car of Sells-Floto last season.
Billy Bowser is getting his overland show ready for opening May 1. He has just purchased a new big top.
Andrew Downie is the owner of the Walter L. Main Circus, with the exception of the title, which he has leased from Walter L. Main.
Sam Freed will close with the "Kandy Kids" Company and join Lincoln Bros. Circus, with which he will be boss ticket seller.
J. B. Clutter writes that when he was with the Miles Orton Circus, the late Al G. Field was clowning and juggling on the show.
J. H. Perry, veteran circus man, has left the Rhoda Royal Show.
Charles Ward, at one time with the F. a. Robbins and Sig Sautelle Shows, has closed with DeRue Bros. Minstrels and will be a member of clown alley with Lincoln Bros. Circus.
George Murphy, who was with the Yankee Robinson Circus for the last seven years as cook on the dining car, will not troupe this season, as he is in business for himself at Roxboro Park, Col., operating a restaurant and ice cream parlor.
Billy Ray, for several seasons timekeeper with the Gollmar Bros. Shows, and for one season ticket seller with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show, recently moved to a farm he owns east of Oregon, Ill.
W. E. Brown, an old trouper, 74 years of age, is living at Pendleton, Ore. Forty years ago he was a joey on the John Robinson Circus and in the eighties was an acrobatic clown with the Barnum Show. For eleven years he was with Jack Haverly's Minstrels. He has also bee connected with the Al G. Barnes Circus. Brown is now billposting in Pendleton.
Roster of Rhoda Royal Circus adv. car No. 2: Jack L. Bledsoe, manager; H. S. Maddy, special agent; Dan Spayd, mail agent; D. Evans, in charge of paper; Jack Woody, chef; Emory Orr, steward; W. A. Morin, Virgil Post, Jack Hartnett, James Savage, J. M. Skinner, C. Vickerman, L. A. Gunnelle, W. A. Arnold, Henry Riley and Frank Geiser.
James W. Bresnahan and Isaac Woodcock, employees of the Avon Theater, Watertown, N. Y., have taken to the road. Woodcock has joined the John Robinson Circus, while Bresnahan has signed with the Ferari carnival as advertising agent and advance man. Woodcock has worked with the Robinson Show before, while Bresnahan has been on the road with the Walter L. Main and the Rhoda Royal Shows.
E. C. McPherson, formerly with Hagenbeck-Wallace and other shows, open with the Walter L. Main Shows, with which Mack is to do announcing and assist Doc Ogden in the side show, while the Missus will also be in the annex.
Somerville, Mass., April 18. Everyone around the quarters is busy getting the Belmont Bros. Shows in shape to open May 5. Major English and Eddie Graham have the ticket and advance wagons painted and lettered, and will now finish on the baggage wagons. The stock is in good condition. Al Logan has the kid show and will have eight pits and a new line of banners. Fred Cochrane has the band and E. C. Blake will be contracting agent. B. Farland will have the canvas, Harry Stearnes will manage the stands and concessions, and Dave Carroll will act as assistant manger and lot superintendent. - J. G. Lombard
Baltimore, April 15. Work is progressing at the quarters of Hunt's New Modern Shows here, and manager Chas. T. Hunt predicts a prosperous season with his overland aggregation. The outfit will consist of fifteen wagons back with the show, and a touring car in advance. The Dakota Kids Wild East will be a feature in the concert.
Ed Billingsby, last season on the Main Show, will be with the John Robinson Show this season.
The McCaslin Peerless Shows open the season near Baltimore April 23.
Jeff Callan, old time showman, for many years with J. A. Bailey, died of Bright's disease recently. Mr. Ballan began his career with the Barnum & Bailey Show in 1884 and established a reputation as a lightning ticket seller. The last few years of his life were spent managing various vaudeville houses for the B. F. Keith interests.
Thomas King, formerly a circus scenic artist, died at his home, 618 Forty-sixth street, Bay Ridge, N. Y. The deceased was sixty-three years old.
Earle Moss, bandmaster of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, and Rose Ellen Kelly, professional dancer of Beaumont, Tex., were married April 11 at Louisville, Ky.
Billboard, May 7, 1921, pp. 65, 67, 69, 116. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Arthur Bruson, wire artist, is doing his wire and trapeze acts on the Howe Show. R. C. Williamson is playing first chair trombone in Dusch's Band on Howe.
One of the oldest clowns in the business, Albert Gaston, is with Howe's Great Lodon Circus. He is 70 years old.
From boss billposter in 1919 to contracting agent 1920-21 is the record of Robert F. Hayes, agent of Gentry Bros. Shows.
Clarence Crane and wife, formerly with the Backman-Tinsch Circus, will not be with the white tops this season. Mr. Crane will engage in the real estate business in Minneapolis with his brother-in-law.
Who remembers when Hiram Slim (John Garrison) drove stakes in the concert with the old John Robinson Shows, and was introduced by Harry Wheeler as the world's greatest long-range stake driver?
When the Ringling-Barnum Show takes to the road a well-known face will be missing in the train department. Bill Casin, one of John McLaughlin's old reliables, has signed up with Lew Graham to ake the late John Daniel's place in the side show.
There are a number of showfolk in Painesville, O., who have forsaken the white tops. Howard Damon, formerly steward of Cole Bros. Show, is manager of the United Market. Tim Carey, last season steward on the Howe Show, is steward at the Cowles Hotel. H. B. Neal, for many years with Jones Bros. Shows, is connected with the Model Bakery.
Donald Clark, of the team of Suzinetta & Clark, slack wire performers, this season finds them with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
The Jung Bros., Bee Jung and Buster Marsh, opened with the Sparks Circus in Macon, Ga., April 2. The Jung Bros. are the producing clowns and are also doing their single trapeze act. The lineup in clown alley includes Walter E. Jung, Paul Bee Jung, Buster Marsh, Minert DeArlo (fat policeman), Melvin DeArlo, Harry Mick, Rube Gilbert, Walter Kent, George York, Paul Wenzel and Billy Guice.
Kenneth R. Waite is principal producing clown on the Howe Show with the following in clown alley: Three Hartly Brothers, W. Lkinepeter, C. Alexander, Curly Phillips, Abe Goldstein (Charlie Chaplin clown), Albert Gaston, Alva Evans, Lou Worley, Charles Kelley, Louis Brown, Jerry Richardson, Slim Andrews, Frank Shipman, Chester Sherman, George Clark, Eddie Limoge, George Holmes, Jim Keating, L. Keaster, Bill Sanger, R. Grinstead, Earl Page and Charles Durby.
Los Angeles, April 28. Al G. Barnes (Alpheum P. B. Stonehouse), owner of the Al G. Barnes Trained Wild Animal Circus, received a decree of divorce April 15 in Las Vegas, Nev., from Dollie Stonehouse. He immediately married Jane Hartigan, the circus rider, who figured as a witness and accuser against him in several court actions in Los Angeles. It is reported that he has settled with his former wife to the amount of $100,000.
The Lombard & Hathaway Shows, which has been wintering at Lexington, Mass., is about to take to the road. The show has been placed on wagons. It will carry 14 wagons in all, 35 head of baggage stock and 12 head of ring stock. The big top is a seventy, with two 30 foot middles; side show 50 by 70; dressing room, 30 by 40; cookhouse, 30 by 40; horse tent, 25 by 60; marquee, 15 by 20. The wagons are painted red and white.
Canton, O., April 28. H. S. Maddy, special agent for the Rhoda Royal Circus told The Billboard representative that the Rhoda Royal Show would emerge from Southern territory this week, coming direct to Ohio, where one month of Ohio stands would be played. Auspices are being played in the majority of the cities, the Shrine Clubs being the sponsors. The Elks are also taking over the show in many cities. While here Maddy met many old troupers, including C. L. Meyers, husband of Rosa Meyers, known as Rosa Rosalind, who following the Hagenbeck-Wallace wreck, quit the "big" tops.
Clyde Ingalls, of the Ringling-Barnum side show, announced that Capt. Bertram W. Mills, proprietor of the International Circus at the Olympia in London, England, had appointed him manager of the side show and Christmas fair. He will go abroad in the fall and return in the spring to be with the big circus again next year.
South Sea Island Joe, well known in the outdoor show world as an entertainer, died at the University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., April 24. Interment was in Charleston, S. C.
Glen Austin Warner died of heart disease and dropsy, April 24, at his home in Niles, Mich. He was a member of the LaDare-Warner Trio of bicycle riders and had been identified with the circus of the late John F. Robinson as a featured act, Walter L. Main's Circus and Howe's Great London Shows. Surviving are his widow, a son, daughter, brother and two sisters. He was 43 years old.
Billboard, May 14, 1921, pp. 64, 65, 66. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
San Juan, Porto Rico, April 28. Lowande's Circus is laying off here. The Marx Circus is billed at Ponce for May 8. The Loretta Family Circus is billed at San Juan as "coming soon."
Harry Bernhardt will not be with the white tops this season, as he has purchased a grocery store and refreshment stand at Cedar Heights, Ia.
The advance department of Christy Bros. Greater United Wild Animal Circus is made up of many oldtimers of big top fame. It includes J. C. Admire, general agent; Walter McCorkhill, brigade agent, with the following knights of the brush: Bridewell, Palmer, Jahn and Nolan.
W. R. Arnold closed as lithographer on the advance car of the Rhoda Royal Circus at Lorain, O., last week, and has returned to his home in Nashville, Tenn.
Roster of band with the Engle & Eldridge Show: Harry (Pete) Heilman, director; Geo. Flatt, Bill Engroff, Johnny Wise, Artie Huber, Ed Knight, Henry Mazzar, Bright Jones, Ed Hale and Al Leaman. Flatt, who plays cornet, was formerly with the Ringling and Barnum Shows. [sic Eldridge & Engle ?]
Lexington, Ala., May 5. Richards Bros. Shows are now in their eighth week, having opened at New Brockton, Ala., on March 10. Everything has gone along nicely with the exception of a blowdown at Millport, Ala., April 14. While the fourth act of the big show was in progress a sudden windstorm hit the outfit and lowered everything on the lot. Through the efforts of manager W. C. Richards and nephew, R. H., every person got out safely. Much damage was done to the canvas and other show property. The windstorm was followed by a heavy downpour of rain, and in a few minutes the entire lot was under water. This caused a layover the next day. Everybody got busy with needle and thread and the canvas was gotten in shape. On April 16, at Fayette, Ala., one of the trained ponies was killed on the railroad while being taken to water. In spite of bad weather and roads, business has been good. The program consists of riding monkeeys; cannon ball juggling, Bob Peasley; contortion, Kitty Mae Irwin; flying trapeze, Viola King; light and heavy balancing, Tom Haley; breakaway ladder, Violet Marquette and Bob Peasley; menage horse, Eula Gilbert and Myrtle Thompson; flying ladder, Nita Peasley; trained dogs, Mazie Durbin; flying contortion rings, Kitty Richards; Starlight, good-night horse, worked by Lucille Hampton; rolling globe, Orpha Shelton; spangle pickout pony, R. C. Wesley; double trapeze, Nita Peasley and Violet Marquette; clown and bucking mule; military pony drill. "Oklahoma Spot" Henderson, with his troupe of cowboys and cowgirls, puts on the Wild West concert, which consists of trick riding, trick and fancy roping, rope spinning, fancy rifle shooting and riding bucking horses. - Reagan Daniel
Wilton, Wis., May 5. H. R. J. Miller's American Circus will open May 7 at Norwalk, Wis. Charles R. Bachel, formerly of the Walter L. Main Circus, will have the band. The second advance has left under the guidance of Charles Underwood.
Canton, O., May 5. Because opposition would be encountered the latter part of May in Eastern Ohio, the Rhoda Royal Shows have canceled their Canton stand and instead of remaining in Ohio the last few days of the month will head for Michigan. The show this week is making some Ohio Valley stands and then jumps into Central Ohio for several days. Ann Arbor, Mich. will probably be the opening in Michigan.
The Atterbury Wagon Show is doing fair business in Illinois, although encountering much rain and cold weather. C. R. LaMont visited the show at Sandoval, Ill. Mr. LaMont's wagon show will be on the road by the time this is in print.
Billboard, May 21, 1921, pp. 65, 66, 116. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roland Karl [Kari?] is doing magic with Atterbury Bros. Circus.
Mrs. Carrie Campbell has joined the Walter L. Main Circus, doing a flying ring act.
Reports have it that the M. L. Clark Wagon Show is experiencing the worst business its manager has known in his thirty years as manager of traveling tented enterprises.
Joe Kelly, the transcontinental trouper and globe trotter, has leased his ranch near Granger, Ia., and is now filling the position of superintendent of the sleeping car department of the Rhoda Royal Show.
George Wombold, the ex-boss canvasman, is still at his old job in Cincinnati with a time recorder company.
Doc Filley writes that he enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Uden at Flanagan, Ill., for the past four months. The night before he left to pilot the LaMont Bros. Circus, Filley was given a surprise dinner.
Cy Green, the Rube, writes that he has closed a contract with C. H. Christie, of the Lombard & Hathaway One-Ring Circus, and opened with the show at Waltham, Mass., May 11, assisting on arranging the show and producing with Charles Miller.
The James are with the Christy Bros. Shows, Mrs. James doing her feature iron jaw number, while Mr. James is leader of the band. Mrs. James recently joined the A. A. F. The James will have a novelty carrying perch act next sesons, in which their five-year-old son will participate. He is now trap drummer on the show.
Kokomo, Ind., May 12. The Wallace Greater Shows (motorized), under the management of B. L. (Bernie) Wallace, pleased two big crowds here last Friday, it being the first stand of the season. Prominent in the lineup of performers are Suzenetta and Clark, cannonball and wire act; the Clarks, aerialists; Bell Brothers, acrobats and hand balancing; Boynton's Troupe of performing dogs; Orville and Frank, equilibrists, late of the Barnum & Bailey Circus; "Jerry," the dog with a human brain; Harris and Reed, horizontal bar performers, and the Flying Royals. Sam Rooney Bennett, Fred Delmont and John Lancaster head the delegation of clowns. Eugene and James W. Graham are two well-known Kokomo men who are closely identified with the Wallace Shows, which will cover its route in twenty big auto trucks.
Al Micao, veteran clown, left the Ringling-Barnum Show in Philadelphia last week and went to his home in New York City for a rest. Miaco is close to eighty years old. On Sunday, May 8, when the big show arrived in Philly, Miaco walked to the grounds with the other men, but the exertion in the sun was too much for the veteran and he collapsed. He was taken to St. Luke's Hospital, and physicians advised him to rest. Miaco, however, says he will be back with the show in a few weeks.
Lowande & Gardner Circus has changed its name to Oscar Lowande Circus, and is still touring Porto Rico. The show will leave for Santo Domingo, June 4, with the following performers: Adel Nelson, Fred Scanlon, Titi, Mary Gates, Gertrude Mapleson, Anna Marks, Eddie Polo Brothers, Larson Catalan, Edward Dilme (Cantilicio clown), Mrs Cantilicio, Dominigo Villamon, Oscar Lowande. Musicians: Abby Leslie, leader; Williams, Leroy, Pedro, Garcia and Bushman. The company has been reorganized, is making a hit with its new performers, playing to big crowds, according to Capt. Alex A. Lowande.
Albert T. Bilmore, an aerialist, formerly with the Sells Bros., Walter L. Main, John Robinson and Forepaugh Circuses, died at Fremont, O., May 13.
Jack Kent, boss hostler of the Walter L. Main Show, passed away in the Mercy Hospital, Baltimore, Md., May 14. The deceasd, whose real name was John Kaufman, was seventy-eight years old and had been connected with many circuses. Previously to his connection with the Main Show he was with Jerry Mugivan for a number of years. A sister in New Jersey survives.
Powonia Miller, widely known Gypsy, died May 10 in her tent on the midway of the Wallace Brothers Show at Sharon, Pa. The deceased was a fortune teller and a member of the famous Mitchell band of Gypsies, which includes about four hundred, scattered throughout the United States. Her husband, Frank Miller, is a member of the Wallace Show's band. The funeral was held May 12 at Sharon, and was attended by hundreds of Gypsies, coming from far and near. Her father, Louis Mitchell, arrived from Chicago to attend the last obsequies. He is said to be worth several million dollars.
Billboard, May 28, 1921, pp. 66, 67, 68, 69, 114. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Fort Collins, Col., May 17. "Buffalo Scotty" Phillips, animal trainer, adventurer and Western character, died at a local hospital last Thursday night of pneumonia, after an operation for appendicitis. He was 51 years old. At one time he was chief animal trainer for the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show, and he was also engaged in the same capacity with circuses.
Tom Fanning, showman, is now with the Great Sanger Circus. Mose Powers, billposter, for many years with the Sparks Circus, is now with the Great Sanger.
Members of clown alley on Lincoln Bros. Circus include Eddie Leahy, Joe White, Buck Leahy, Tom Callahan, Johnny Callahan, Happy Johnson, Charles Ward, Kid McDonald and Doc Whitman.
Joe Simon, bandmaster with the Great Sanger Circus, was formerly with the Barnum & Bailey, also the Sells-Floto Shows.
Rhoda Royal Circus. The advance is handled by Dan France, who has been with this show since its inauguration, and Herbert M. Maddy, press agent. Back with the show are Rhoda Royal, D. C. Hawn and "Kid" Hunt. The management of the entire organization rests upon these three showmen. Harry Johnson is 24-hour man, assisted by Fred Schaffer, who acts as superintendent. Dave McKay is assistant manager, Bill Wilarner has the big show canvas, "Rube" Williams, side show canvas; Ed Heddericks, props; C. Johnson, lights; Harry Martel, cookhouse; Lou Martin, ring stock, with Charles Rodimer in charge of the draught and baggage stock. Charlie Herman has the train. P. M. Bronson is treasurer, assisted by Mel Hamlin, who handles wagon No. 2. Charles Noreenberg has charge of the front door, with Fred Schaffer assistant. The side shows are under the management of Jim Beatty, with Tom Murphy, Smith and Kellar on the ticket boxes. Jim Fleming is at the candy stands; "Doc" Stearns, in charge of pit shows; W. L. Arnold has the inside tickets, assisted by a staff of ticket sellers and ushers, while Charles Swigert does the big show announcing. W. B. Scott directs the musical program. Fred Collier arranges the program, Phil King supplies the joeys with material. This attraction carries its own electrical plant in charge of "Chuck" Eagan and two assistants. A prominent figure and one who may be found anywhere from the front door to the dressing room is Ellery Reynolds, who takes active interest in the workings of the Rhoda Royal Shows.
LaMont Bros. Trained Animal Circus opened at Salem, Ill., May 7 to good business. The show is traveling on fifteen wagons, and carries forty-eight head of draft horses, ponies, mules and donkeys. Two stands were lost during the first week due to bad roads. The show is routed through Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Executive staff: C. R. LaMont, sole owner and manager; C. D. Randolph, secretary and treasurer; Doc Filley, general agent with two billposters; __ Porterfield, manager side shows; A. E. Davis and Howard Blanford, superintendent of privileges; E. M. Palimeter, musical director, with the following musicians, J. Manjeka, C. Sears, Swede Johnson, W. Lafferty, Jim English, Jimmy Bowman, M. Neves, Bob McKee, Joe Cline and E. M. Palimeter; Charles Baker, equestrian director; E. Haines, elephant man and superintendent of animals; Slim Latta, superintendent of canvas; Tom Link, boss hostler; Doc Branson, superintendent of properties; W. Labberty, steward; Jerome Callahan, chef, with Slim Parker, assistant; Dick Bryan, head waiter, with two assistants; Jack Tellrope, boss pony boy, with three assistants.
Big show program: No. 1, grand entree; No. 2, clown song, Chas. Baker; No. 3, single trapeze, Ralph Senft; No. 4, four-pony drill, C. R. LaMont; No. 5, clown magic, Rodgers and Baker; No. 6, double rings, LaZalla and Senft; No. 7, menage horse, E. Haines; No. 8, goose walkaround, Billy Rogers; No. 9, swinging ladder, Miss LaZalla; No. 10, moonshine walkaround, Billy Rogers; No. 11, Freda, elephant, worked by Shorty Barnes; No. 12, lion act, E. Haines; No. 13, riding monkeys, C. LaMont; No. 14, January act, LaMont and Baker; No. 15, swinging perch, Ralph Senft; No. 16, bucking mule, Billy Rogers.
The Lombard & Hathaway Shows opened the season at Waltham, Mass., May 11, to two packed houses. George LaCarr is manager, Johnnie Mack, manager side show; Prof. Singer, inside lecturer; Tommy Gorman, general superintendent; Bill Lyons, general agent. The show has fourteen wagons, twenty-eight head of baggage stock, six ponies and four head of ring stock. Capt. Charles Miller has the wild west.
George Manchester is manager of the Lombard & Hathaway Circus, now playing in New England.
Ed M. Bressler, cornetist, who has been with E. H. Jones' enterprises for the past twelve years, has joined the Wheeler Bros. Shows.
The Original Juggling Raymond, baton juggler, writes that he is with the Great Sanger Circus instead of the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus as mentioned in a recent issue.
Tim Sammons, of Cleveland, is brigade agent with the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus. Si Semon is the official banner squarer and the brigade numbers twelve men.
According to Si Kitchie, of the Shipp & Feltus Circus, the show has been doing excellent business in South America. With the show are Tan Araki Troupe, Mangean Troupe, Paul Brachard and family, Nettie Carroll and company, Loos and Loos, William Melrose and wife, Dunbar Trio, ___ Rojello Judge, Rojelio Rassore, Carlos Herrera, Olivera, Victor Dangel and Virginia Shipp. The side show is conducted by Frank St. Clair and wife. Charles Hickey handles the props.
W. H. Quinett, retired circus agent, was the first general agent for the Yankee Robinson Shows. He is now on the front door of a Wooster, Ohio theater.
Roster car No. 1 of the John Robinson Circus: Clyde Willard, car manager. Earl Salters, boss billposter. Billposters: Harry Johnson, Wm. Koford, Wm. Sturtevant, Tom Brown, Ed Grant, Oscar Decker, Frank Reed, C. Boby, Wm. Brown. Jack O'Brien, steward. Lithographers: Albert Spencer, paper; Wm. Jenkins, I. Helby, C. Wyan, assistants. Gardner Wilson, secretary. J. B. King, special agent. Banners: Fred Everett, Luther Waite, Walter Brush, Tom Bagon, Frank Bagoncook, Harry Wilbur, Jack Walker. Pastemaker, W. Wright. Chauffer, A. Dewey.
John W. Gates, veteran show advertising man, for years a billposter in Billings, Mont., was 74 years old on May 7. He spent the day working, posting bills and aiding in the construction of a new billboard near that city. Mr. Gates' first job in the show advertising business was in 1858 with the Peak Family, the first Swiss bell ringers. He was then only 11 years old. In 1863 he worked for P. T. Barnum. After that he joined the Dan Rice Circus, and worked with this pioneer amusement enterprise for three years. In years following he was a member of the advertising crews of all the big white tops.
Frank Brusso, billposter on the No. 2 car of the Rhoda Royal Circus, died from wood alcohol poisoning in an Owosso (Mich.) hospital May 18. He told the nurses he had no home or relatives. The hotel proprietor, the boys on the car, Jim Savage of the shows, and Jack Faust of the Middle West Shows, attended to the funeral arrangements.
Alex Kowet, baritone player with the Gentry Bros. Show band, died May 18, at Mercy Hospital, Arkansas City, Kan., where he underwent an operation of a very serious nature. He had been with bandmaster Henry Kren for the past seven seasons.
Billboard, June 4, 1921, pp. 64, 65, 102, 103, 116. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Jack Corelli, well-known circus and vaudeville performer, died in Boston, May 10, after an illness of over four years. He was for many years with the Hagenbeck-Wallace, Forepaugh-Sells and Barnum & Bailey shows, having been connected with these shows since 1903 until four years ago. He was 39 years of age, a native of Boston, and a member of the Boston Lodge of Elks. He is survived by a widow, brother and mother.
Lew Backenstoe has a pit show with the Sells-Floto Circus.
Mrs. E. A. Potter is with the Wheeler Bros. Shows.
Karl Cartwright and Wm. Losch, performers, write that they have left the Atterbury Bros. Show.
Eddie James is with the Great Sanger Show. He is manager of the basebell team with that show.
Henry Messer, trombonist, formerly with DeRue Bros. Minstrels, has joined the Engle & Eldridge Circus.
Nemesis, the pet ape belonging to Leslie Adams, of Monroe, N. J., has been sold to the Walter L. Main Circus for $15.
Lowery Bros. Shows opened their 27th season at Gilberton, Pa., May 10. Manager George B. Lowery has one of the best little shows on the road. Included in the roster are Grant Bros., acrobats; Jimmie Logue, juggler; Billy Grant, with Little Billy and Ursuline, contortionists; Leona, wire act; Lou Grant, human fly, heel and toe walking on aerial ladder; Sam Rice, principal clown, assisted by Harvey Sherman; the McGinleys, aerialists; Prof. Arthur Roark, with band of eight pieces. The show will play the coal fields all season.
Ralph Somerville, boss candy butcher with the Walter L. Main Circus, has left the show on account of illness, and is at home in Medina, N. Y.
Ed Conliss, clown, who was with Warner's Society Circus, is now with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus. He is working the come-in, in female attire. Jack LaPearl is producing clown and is assisted by Conliss, Bob Woody, Bill Woody, Ed Ruchetta, Morris and Pewee. The LaVernes, tight wire walkers, recently joined the show.
The J. B. O'Neill Shows are playing to good business through Northern Illinois, despite much rain and bad roads. The show is transported on eight wagons, and one in advance. The staff comprises J. B. O'Neill, manager; Mrs. J. B. O'Neill, treasurer; Wm. Kempsmith, general agent with one billposter; F. Conley, equestrian director; H. Bauer, superintendent of lights; George Bauer, superintendent of stock; Robert Clark, boss canvasman; J. B. O'Neill Jr., superintendent of candy stands; Tommy Harris, side show; Mrs. F. H. Conley, reserved seats. Included in the big show program are O'Neill and Jarnell, rings and hand to hand balancing; Morris and Doyer, revolving ladder and traps; O'Neill's dogs and goats; Meyers Deck, iron jaw and rolling globe. F. H. Conley is producing clown, assisted by Duke Evans and son and Morris and Doyer. - Wm. Kempsmith (show representative)
Walter Goodenough, clown with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, and Jessie Allen, of Vicksburg, Miss., were married in New Orleans, La., March 5. The marriage had been kept a secret.
Billboard, June 18, 1921, pp. 64, 65, 66, 67. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Cole Bros. Shows have been enjoying fine business through New York and Massachusetts, under the management of E. H. Jones. Mr. Jones has one of the best bands on the road, under the leadership of Prof. Antony Esposito. Included in the band are George Starch, Dominick Frante, Atilio Mancini, Joseph Bonimo, John Resta, Malcolm Lamantia, Emilio Manro, A. Pullen, Joseph Mangeria, Joseph Lustre, Nick Armada, Salvatore Plali, Francis Valardi, Joseph Pavone and Arthur Manilli.
John Metz has closed his pit show with Walter L. Main Circus and left that organization Jun 4.
R. L. Atterbury, of Atterbury Bros. Wagon Shows, reports business good. LaDue, contortionist and clown, joined recently.
Leahy Brothers, comedy ring gymnasts, closed with Lincoln Bros. Circus at Amesbury, Mass., and joined the Hi Henry Misntrels. They are featuring the famous Buck Leahy trick.
May Wirth and family are making a hit with the Walter L. Main Circus. Phil Wirth is a real riding clown par excellence.
Willie C. Clark and wife, foot jugglers and double and single trapeze, are doing nicely with the Mighty Haag Shows. Clark and Ross, high stilt walking are also a good number with that show.
Thomas Aiton and A. C. Nelson have put out a dog and pony one-ring circus, known as the Great Aiton Shows, to play smaller towns and city lots. The show carries fourteen head of ponies, ten dogs, eight piece band and eight circus acts and travels in two cars, according to Mr. Aiton.
The Ringling-Barnum Show has a barber shop for the animals on the show. It is on wheels and is enclosed with polished brass bars. It is patronized by the trained lions and tigers that are the feature of the wild animal acts. Frank Howland is the boss barber. Howland was formerly connected with a number of African exploration parties.
Mrs. M. C. Cookston, who trouped for many years with various circuses and wild west shows with her husband, M. C. (Dock) Cookston, had the misfortune to lose the sight of her eyes, caused from hardening of the eye balls. Mrs. Cookston is now at the St. Paul Sanitarium, Dallas, Tex., where she underwent an operation as a last resort to try to restore at least the sight of one eye. Mr. Cookston is located at Brownwood, Tex., where he has a large transfer and hauling business in the oil fields.
The Wallace Motorized Shows are now in their fifth week. The Lathans, aerial artists, are a recent addition. The big top is 90 feet, with 30 and 40 foot middle pieces. The annex is under the management of Ray Dick, and doing nicely. Harry Martin has charge of the big top, with Charles Smith, assistant. Shanty Mars Hall is in charge of the lighting system, Kokomo Red has the dressing room with four assistants, Lloyd Deckeman is mechanic and in charge of transportation.
C. P. Farrington, general agent of the Lincoln Bros. Circus, has closed with that show.
Eau Claire, Wis., June 8. Charley Bray, who has been in the show business for nineteen years, died here May 29 after an illness of eight weeks with pneumonia, following an operation. He was home on a visit. Mr. Bray, besides being with the Dollar Troupe for a number of years, had played many seasons with Ringling Bros. and other circuses, as well as alone and with partners in vaudeville. He is survived by his wife, Gladys Bray, a mother and two brothers.
Billboard, June 25, 1921, pp. 64, 65, 66, 102, 116. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Warren & Cashman Circus, Trained Animal and Wild West Shows Combined will take to the road next year, opening at Quincy, Mass., May 1, as a one-ring show, playing New England territory exclusively, according to general manager Geo. R. Warren. The show will be transported by auto car, trucks with trailers, and will also use twenty head of draft stock to haul cages and wagons. A parade will be a feature.
The Palmer Bros. Trained Wild Animal Circus showed in Deadwood, S. D., June 10. The animals are well trained by John Hoffman and Mr. Houch. W. F. (Doc) Palmer and John T. Backman are in charge of the show. Mrs. John T. Backman gives an excellent number known as the "White Pearl" on a white horse. All of which is according to Herbert G. White.
The Six Pashas are with the Sells-Floto Circus.
A. L. Bagby joined the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus at Kingsport, Tenn., as assistant boss canvasman.
The Parentos, acrobats and contortionists, closed a twelve weeks' engagement on June 13 with the Rhoda Royal Circus and will play fairs and celebrations.
Jerry D. Martin, aerialist and contortionist with the Sells-Floto Circus, showed his home town, Manchester, N. H., June 11.
Charles (Kid) Koster, oldtime circus opposition agent, formerly of the Ringling Bros. Shows, has charge of the midway at Joyland Park, Atlantic Highlands, N. J.
Liniger Brothers, who gave up their motorized show to join the colors in '17, are now with the Rhoda Royal show, one on the sailor rope and the other in clown alley.
A. B. (Bert) Bennett, twenty-four hour man, will again assume the duties of landlord at his Vincennes (Ind.) hotel, the Raymond, having been forced to resign is position with the Sparks Circus, owing to an affliction of the feet.
Charles Brennar, ticket seller with the Sells-Floto Circus, which showed Haverhill, Mass., June 9, was sentenced to six months in jail when he pleaded guilty to attempted larceny. He appealed and was ordered to furnish $1,000 bail for appearance in the Superior Court.
Here are the names of the boys with Joe Simons' band with the Great Sanger Circus: Joe Simon, Norman C. Moore, Jack Eaton, Louie LaFontisee, Fred C. Busdecker, Albert B. Cleaver, Clarence Ladd, Russell Saunders, Jake Swift, Jack Thomas, Edmund Herman, Frank LaFontisee, Roy Mason, James T. Grumley, Eustace Fletcher, John T. Ott. Soldier Johnson is the big show announcer and John T. Ott, late of the Leo Feist office, is singing with the band.
Engel & Eldridge Shows have been doing good business. The program is running nicely under the direction of Art Eldridge. Harry (Pete) Heilman has the big show band of ten pieces. The program: No. 1, grand entree; No. 2, double trapeze, Aerial Shellys; No. 3, clowns' crazy number; No. 4, revolving table; No. 5, tight wire, Mrs. Linda Eldridge; No. 6, clown prize fight; No. 7, barrel kicking, H. Tokey; No. 8, swinging ladder, Mrs. Emma Shelly; No. 9, bucking mule; No. 10, big dog act; No. 11, Roman rings, Carl Shelly; No. 12, clown number; No. 13, riding dogs and monkeys; No. 14, juggling, H. Tokey; No. 15, Eldridge's ponies. The clowns are Sam Black, Glen Davis and Charles Hopper. Al Leaman and Josh Barton are in advance.
The Great Keystone Wagon Show opened the season May 18 at Sunbeam, Va., and has experienced much rainy weather. Business has been fair. The complete roster: Sam Dock, owner and manager; C. Zech, side show manager; H. R. Brison, manager of privileges; George W. Christie, advance agent; Harvey Fehr, billposter; L. C. Knight, outside privileges; Ed Davinson, boss canvasman on big show; Fletcher Bell, in charge of kid show canvas; Mrs. Claire Brison, unafon player; Mrs. Sadie Dock, front door. Performers and acts: Curvin Zech, balancing trapeze and swinging wire; Tom Nelson, juggling and contortion; Leonard Christie, singing and talking clown, also putting on the clown numbers; Claire Brison, single trapeze; Knaub & Treymeyer, double rings and hand balancing; H. R. Brison, clowning; Leonard Christie and Claire Brison, revolving ladder; Mr. Dock's four trained ponies and troupe of performing dogs and bucking donkey. The concert consists of Nelson, monologue; Ray and Claire Brison, mind reading; Ed Davinson, marionettes; John Knaub, escapte and magic.
The big top is a 60 foot with a 30 foot middle piece; side show top 60x40, with five banners, attractions consisting of cage of monkeys, den of alligators, horned rattle snake, knife throwing, Punch and Judy, magic and fire acts, illusion. The show moves on ten wagons, has three cages of animals and a wagon for the unafon. L. C. Knight has an auto to move his privilege stand and a touring car bak with the show. This is the first time in a number of years that the management has all the working people needed. - H. R. Brison (show representative)
New Orleans, June 16. Harold Cassanova, all-round performer of the Sons of the Sawdust Circus, has deserted amateur ranks and associated himself with the Flying LaVans. He is the fifth member of the circus to enter professional ranks, the other being Michon Bros., John Daums and Bert Early. All were trained by Prof. George Scott at the Young Men's Gymnasium Club. The remainder of the Sawdust Circle have been devoting their time to charity and will appear in a benefit at the Orpheum Theater for the Maison Hospitaliere to be given shortly. Sunday before last E. Taylor, tumbling; Kist. Southern, ring champion; Fay Feehan, lady contortionist; Soniat Bros. and Jamie Soniat, slack wire. Corrigan, one of the troupe is suffering from the effects of a fall.
Chicago, June 18. Charles F. Bell is the oldest of the original Bell family of circus riders. Forty years ago he was one of the leading circus clowns with Dan Rice's Circus, with Kohl & Middleton in 1883, and has been with every circus organization of the major class since that time.
Charles Celest, wire artist, is with Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson.
Oshkosh, Wis., June 18. Frank Sherback [Sherbeck?], pioneer circus performer and merry-go-round operator, died here Wednesday night while riding his whirligig. Mr. Sherback [sic?], 74, and his wife, 72, had both celebrated their birthday June 15.
Phil King, veteran producing clown on the Rhoda Royal Circus, is a hit with his stilt walkaround. He not only walk on the stilts, but does about the best "drunk" to be seen anywhere. Phil King is said to be the only one doing the real high ones since the death of Major Fred Bennett, the announcer.
Capt. Harry Hilton, animal trainer, died January 28, it has just been learned by The Billboard. The deceased was formerly with the Ringling Bros. Circus, Wortham's Shows, Al G. Barnes Circus, and for the last two years previous to his death was with the Greater Sheesley Shows. His body was taken to Cleveland, O., his home town, for burial.
Coles C. Wisely, with the Sells-Floto Circus, and Ann Jane Duker, formerly one of the diving nymphs at the Hippodrome, New York, were married in Portland, Me., June 13.
Billboard, July 2, 1921, pp. 62, 63, 64, 100, 116. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
J. B. Austin has the advance of and is financially interested in the Gentry Bros. Shows. He was at one time an actor.
Madam Harriette Guilfoyle, wild animal trainer with the Howe Circus, announces the arrival of two baby pumas in her leopard and puma act.
Suzinetta and Clark, one of the feature acts with the B. L. Wallace Shows, have left that show, and are now playing as a free attraction.
Edwin H. Hedderich, boss property man, has closed with the Rhoda Royal Shows. Mr. Hedderich, a Billboard visitor, was accompanied by his wife, Nellie Bennett, boxer and wrestler.
According to W. A. Allen, press agent of Atterbury Bros. Show, the show has been almost reorganized in all departments since the opening in Memphis, Tenn., in March. Wm. Atterbury and wife closed, Brigham Shields replacing Mr. Atterbury in charge of stock. Late performers who joined are DeRue, contorionist; Joe Lacardo, aerial act, trapeze and rings; Frank Rudell, wire walker and clown; Four Stameys, acrobats and musical artists; Mr. Stroud, with frozen sweekts; Roy Arbright, clown. A new middle piece will be added to the big top, making four poles. Top Shorty Larch has charge of the canvas, Dad Sweet is in charge of elephant and animals, and Fay Stamey's family band and orchestra furnish the music.
The program: No. 1, clown song by Roy Arbright, assisted by company; No. 2, riding monkey and pony and clown; No. 3, single trapeze, Joe Lacardo; No. 4, frog act, DeRue; No. 5, Cupid, pickout pony; No. 6, Rudell, Arbright and Laroy, clowns; No. 7, Rudell, slack wire comedy; No. 8, troupe of fox terriers, Catherine Atterbury, trainer; No. 9, Four Stameys, acrobats; No. 10, Jargo, giraffe, and clown DeRue; No. 11. aerial rings, Catherine Atterbury; No. 12, trick mule, clown Shorty Larch; No. 13, double trapeze, Catherine Atterbury and Alta Bagly; No. 14, musical turn, Four Stameys; No. 15, elephant act, Dad Sweet. Mr. and Mrs. Fay making the announcements. The show will travel in Wisconsin and Minnestora the balance of the season.
The Lowery Bros. Shows continue to play to good business through Eastern Pennsylvania, making its 27th year through there. Sig Sautelle, the oldtime circus man, has the concert on the show. Arthur Walsh is in charge of concessions.
John Henry Perry, born in Clarkson, Monroe County, N. Y., who is with the Rhoda Royal Shows, is a direct descendant of Commodore Perry. Perry first traveled with Dan Rice in 1867, and is a relative of Mrs. W. W. Cole.
M. K. Boylan, of Bloomington, Ill., has worked at the Chicago & Alton railroad shops since closing with the Hagenbeck-Wallace adv. car No. 2 season 1917. Boylan started in the show business with the old Burr Robbins Circus in the cooking department, season 1884, remaining with that show four years. He has also been with the Wallace and Anderson circuses.
Joseph H. Brown, 63, veteran billposter, passed away June 19 of Bright's disease at his home in West Fourth street, Davenport, Ia. The deceased trouped with the Barnum & Bailey and Ringling Bros. circuses. In 1893 he was boss poster on car No. 3 (Barnum & Bailey). He was boss billposter for Charlie Kindt, manager of the Burtis Theater, Davenport, for several years, and it was while thus employed that the deceased met with an accident which crippled him for life. A horse hitched to a billposting wagon which he was driving ran away, throwing him to the pavement, so injuring him that his left side was paralyzed. This ended his career as bill poster. He later built the "Home Theater" at Davenport, which he conducted successfully. He leaves his widow, one daughter, two sons, two brothers and two sisters. Burial was in Lancaster, Pa., June 23.
Warren Charles Davies, better known as "Sally" Davies, at one time one of the best known acrobats in America, died at Dover, Ohio, June 24, at the home of his mother, as a result of injuries sustained in a railroad wreck in 1918. He was 39 years old. The funeral was held June 26, with interment in a local cemetery. Davies was widely known as a member of the Four Bards acrobatic act. He was said to have been one of the very few acrobats capable of turning a double somersault from the floor. The wreck which forced Davies' retirement from the acrobatic field occurred when he was traveling with a group of entertainers, giving performances at army camps during the war. He had been an invalid since the accident. Davies' first professional work was with the John Robinson Circus for two years. He also worked two seasons as a jockey at Windsor, Ont. He was with the Hill acrobats before joining the Four Bards, with whom he remained many years. His mother, a sister and a brother survive. He was a member of the Dover lodge of Elks.
George Hall, known to the profession as "Professor," passed away at the home of his sister, Mrs. Cyrus D. Hoopes, in West Chester, Pa., recently. The deceased was an experienced animal trainer and had traveled extensively with Van Amburg, Barnum and other large circuses and has also made many trips abroad in search of some rare species of animals to add to the menageries of the shows. Professor Hall began his show career as trainer of elephants, was master of that famous elephant "Jenny Lind." He also trained lions, tigers, leopards and other animals with success. He is survived by three nephews and one niece.
Billboard, July 9, 1921, pp. 62, 63, 65. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The B. L. Wallace Motorized Shows are now in their eighth week. The show has experienced several wind and rain storms, but did not lose a stand, and has been playing to good business. The show will play a few Illinois stands and then return to Indiana. The Alton [Aiton?] Family joined at Washington, Ind. Fred Delmont, press representative, is authority for above.
Frank T. Kelly, formerly car porter on the Rhoda Royal Circus, is now in that capacity with the Al G. Barnes Show.
Emmett L. Kelly, who has spent most of his time in the past on fairs, billed as the novelty cartooning clown, is this year with Howe's Great London Circus.
Wm. and Mlle. Irwin are with the Lucky Bill Circus. Mlle. Irwin is juggling on the slack wire and Wm. Irwin does head balancing on the trapeze and slides on the wire.
Charley Hite, who was assistant manager of the candy stands with the Sells-Floto Circus, has taken charge of the candy stands with the John Robinson Circus. His assistants include Happy Brandon, boss butcher; Harry Levy, cashier; George Kelly, Joe Thompson and Bert Harrison, outside stand; Dutch, side show stand; George Tilford, No. 2 inside stand; Johnnie Wall and Windy O'Neal, programs; Frank Mose, Nathan Albert, Roy LePete, Mattie Brown, Lloyd Rutherford, Eddie Grant, George Cleamens and T. G. Barney, butchers.
George Hartzell, millionaire clown with the Ringling-Barnum Show, has followed the sawdust trail for forty-three years, having run away from home when he was seventeen to be a clown in the circus. He is the son of a Philadelphia clergyman. Mr. Hartzell is founder and president of the Puff Club, a circus organization which now includes clowns from practically all the nations of the world. He has made his money through investments.
Joe Artressi Belmont, once noted long distance double somersault leaper, gymnast and acrobat, has forsaken the white tops and is now in the carnival field. Mr. Belmont and ___, his partner, have one of the best colored minstrel shows on the road, also nine concessions. Belmont's last trouping with circuses was with the Barnum & Bailey Show, 1915-16, at which time he had five ribs broken and injured his shoulder and chest bone. He was also hurt while performing in a Theda Bara film at Fort Lee, N. J. In doing a 45 foot backward drop he was ruptured. He was also with the big casting act, the Flying Belmonts.
Henry Pullman, one of the noted circus owners of his time, was a visitor at the Main Show in Niagara Falls, June 28. He was accompanied by his niece, a daughter of his brother, Giles. In the early seventies Henry and Giles had the privileges with the Forepaugh Show with John Hamilton. They made money enough to put out a sixty-horse wagon show and made their headquarters at Belleville, Ont. In the spring of 1881 they formed a partnership with Dan Shelby, and a year later the show was known as the Mayberry, Shelby, Pullman & Hamilton Shows. The show finally closed at Columbia, S. C. in the fall of 1882 after a bad season. Then the Pullmans joined the Walter L. Main Show and remained with it for several years. Giles died 20 years ago. Henry is now located in Buffalo, where he is in charge of the tickets at the Strand Theater.
Billboard, July 16, 1921, pp. 62, 63, 64. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Announcement was made at Columbus, O., last Thursday that applications have been filed for increasing the capitalization of three of the circuses belonging to the Mugivan, Bowers & Ballard combination. The proposed increases are: Howe's Great London Shows Company, from $100,000 to $190,000; the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows Company, from $100,000 to $690,000; the John Robinson Shows Company, from $100,000 to $450,000. It is said that the changes in capitalization are for the purpose of meeting present conditions in the show business. Mugivan, Bowers & Ballard also own the Sells-Floto Circus and the titles to the Buffalo Bill and Yankee Robinson Shows.
Huntington, W. Va., July 8. Harry LaPearl has deserted the oldtime life, and has gone into business for himself, having established a branch office of the Animated Sign System in this city, and is himself general manager. Mr. LaPearl was one of the world's greatest clowns. He was the founder of the Fraternal Order of Comiques.
Lincoln Bros. Show is now in New York State, playing to good business. The show covered Rhode Island, Massachusetta and Connecticut. After a few stands in New York, it will go to New Jersey and then South. The Aerial Callahans left at Plainville, Conn., and were replaced by the Aerial Waters. They also do a concert turn. Francis Wood, hoop jugglers, is now equestrian director and doing two act in the big show. Prof. Bertina is working the ponies. Doc Whitman, who drove the ponies, has left. Dare Devil McDougal is doing an escape from a straight jacket, hanging in mid-air. Dolly LaTow joined at Ayer, Mass., doing rolling globe and iron jaw. Acme and Smith, comedy acrobats, joined at Winsted, Conn. - Sam Freed (show representative)
Charles L. Smith, calliope and cornet player, is with Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus.
Walter Levina is with the Rhoda Royal Circus in the side show, doing magic and ventriloquism.
Joe Spissell, clown with the Ringling-Barnum Show, was entertained by his family and friends at Hartford, Conn., his home town, when the show played there.
Doc Whitham left Lincoln Bros. Circus at Munson, Mass., and is now at home in Syracuse, N. Y. He will take "Sparkle, the horse with the human brain," for a tour of fairs.
Jack and Clara Sampson joined the John Robinson Circus at Detroit July 4.
To at least one man in Newark, O., the advent of a circus is a memorable occasion. He is Patrick McAnespie, who was born in Lancaster in 1852 and at the age of 17 joined the John O'Brien Circus at Philadelphia as business agent of the Dumont Family, a noted troupe of bareback riders.
Tex Ellis, who has been with the Al G. Barnes, Hagenbeck-Wallace and the Ringling-Barnum Shows, is now in vaudeville. He said that his "wench" at with the big show last season created a lot of amusement. He is doing a similar act in vaudeville.
Lindeman Bros., manager of Lindeman Bros. Motorized Shows, report that business is good, but not what it was last year. But few losing stands have been recorded since the opening May 6. The outfit looks very neat with the khaki top and everything painted. The show is being moved on eight trucks, and no trouble is found in getting over the roads. The show has an eight piece band and a calliope to liven thing up. With the show are Lucy Linda, statuary act; Billy and Milly Lindeman, slack wire; Alvin F. Miller, loop walking; Albert Lindeman, producing clown; Linda Sisters, Roman rings; Louise Nelson, swinging ladder; William Burkhart, contortionist; Aerial Ardells, double traps; Pete Nelson, cloud swing; Norman Lighthart, clown; Clara Lindeman, tickets; Alvin Pantell, concessioner; August Henning, cook; G. L. Lindeman, mechanic; J. Toniutti, electrician.
Billboard, July 23, 1921, pp. 60, 61, 62, 116. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Evansville, Ind., July 13. Judge Robert J. Tracewell, of the Vanderberg County Superior Court, on Monday appointed Henry B. Walker, local attorney, as receiver for the Greater B. L. Wallace Shows that are stationed this week at a local park. The suit for receivership was brought by John Lancaster, a clown employed by the show. The receiver will continue operation of the show at the park for the week.
Charles Grant and wife have signed with the Walter L. Main Ciracus and will open at Newport, Ky., July 25 with their aerial and contortion acts.
Ed Conliss, who was with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, joined the John Robinson Circus at Goshen, Ind., after a weeks' rest at home in Toledo, O.
Doc Whitham, who was with Lincoln Bros. Circus, writes that he was equestrian director and worked the ponies, instead of driving them, as mentioned in last week's issue.
A monster elephant and some new cars have recently been added to the Al G. Barnes Circus.
Bill Shinn, of Philadelphia, is an old trouper, having been with the Welsh Bros. & Lessig Shows some years ago. Ben Casper, old side show manager with the Welsh show, has a cafe in Camden.
Gardiner, Me., July 14. The Lombard & Hathaway Show was attached here on July 5 on claims for board, supplies and wages due employees, and as a result the show broke up. There was no business and no funds, it is said. Judge Atkins, of the Municipal Court, placed an attachment on the outfit.
Harry Palmer, manager of Lincoln Bros. Show, grandson of P. A. Older and nephew of Robert Fryer, pioneer American circus owners, is doing well with his little overland show. This is Harry's first experience in the realm of sawdust and spangles.
Michael Fedson, of Cleveland, O., a trouper with Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus, was killed by lightning recently.
A. J. Hotchkiss, 40, for many years manager of his own company in California, passed away July 3, at Venice, Cal. Funeral services were held in Venice, July 5. After his company disbanded the deceased was advertising manager for the Al G. Barnes Circus. His widow, father and two sisters survive.
Billboard, July 30, 1921, pp. 85, 86, 87. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Billy Exton is now handling the banners on the Sells-Floto Circus.
Colleano's Circus, an Australian organization, is wintering in Sydney.
Al Pitcher, contortionist, who was with the Walter L. Main Circus the first part of the season, is now playing small towns in New York State with his vaudeville show.
R. J. Wilhelm, for several years trap drummer in the Elgin (Ill.) Watch Factory Band, has accepted a similar position with the Al G. Barnes Circus, having joined at Manitowoc, Wis.
Herbert (side show Whitey) Turner, of Miami, Fla., writes that this is his first season he has not been on the road, but he will be back next season. Turner has been with the Hagenbeck-Wallace, Ringling Bros., Jones Bros. & Wilson, Mighty Haag, 101 Ranch and the Johnny J. Jones shows.
The side show with Christy Bros. Wild Animal Shows has been doing good business through South Dakota and Montana the past six weeks. With the kid show are Chas. Camm, inside lecturer, magic, Punch and Judy and ventriloquist; Mlle. Camms' performing cockatoos; Prof. Golden, sword walker; Nelson's baboons; Mabel James, banjo artist; Three Camerons, Scotch bag pipers; Grace Allen, Ida Hilburn and Jessie Bowers, oriental dancers; Chas. Cameron, Paul Hamilton. C. C. Gibson is boss canvasman.
Canton, O., July 22. Charles Siegrist, "daddy" of the Siegrist troupe of aerialists, a feature for many years with the Ringling-Barnum Circuses was compelled to quit the big tops two weeks ago because of an affliction which prevented him from taking his part in the act. He is now at home her, and probably will not be able to return to the show this season. Bobby Fisher has supplanted Siegrist with his troupe. He hails from Bloomington, Ind., and was a member of the troupe two years ago, but closed with the act before the start of the 1920 tour. The Siegrist act is still done with seven people. This is their home.
Everything with the J. B. O'Neill show is running nicely, despite the hot weather. The show is heading South to play number of celebrations and homecomings. O'Neill and Garnell, feature act of the big show, and Mrs. Conley with her high school pony, "Ribbons," are awarded much applause. The show will soon receive a new big top. The outfit is carried on eight wagons and has 24 head of stock, five Shetland ponies and two bucking mules. Francis Conley is producing clown, with four assistants. William Kempsmith is in advance with one billposter. The show will stay out until October 30.
Ottawa, Can., July 22. The postponement of pay day at the Sells-Floto Circus, which was here July 11, caused considerable dissatisfaction and almost brought about a strike among the teamsters, according to a story told by a local immigration agent. As it was seven teamsters severed their connection with the circus and were deported to the United States. Sunday, July 10 was supposed to be pay day for the teamsters, but the cash was not forthcoming. On Monday morning about forty in number became dissatisfied and threatned a strike. However, the parade went off without a hitch, after which the men received their wages. Most of them continued at work, but seven were willing to return to the United States. Is is said that the reason for postponement of pay day was that it was feared that some of the men might get intoxicated and not be able to work, being Ottawa's immediate proximity to Hull, P. Q., the oasis of Canada, and a two-minute ride from the capital city by car.
San Juan, Porto Rico. Carl Marx, famous old strong man, at one time with the John Robinson Circus, opened a circus on July 4 at Ponce. R. C. Carlisle, of Carlisle's Wild West fame, has joined Mr. Marx. Mrs. Sahara, iron jaw and flying rings, also joined this circus. This show has five automobile trucks, twenty big acts and ten piece Porto Rico band. They will tour this island, Cuba, San Domingo, West Indies and Panama.
The Flying Lorettas, five in number, late of the Lowande & Gardner Circus have sailed for New York to begin their fair season. The Lorettas had a circus which toured Porto Rico and did excellent business. Oscar Lowande joined hands with the Pacheco Troupe and pulled out of Porto Rico for South American. Capt. A. A. Lowande is advance agent and principal clown with the circus.
R. Fern Price, acrobat and athlete, is in the Harrisburg (Pa.) Hospital, suffering a broken back sustained while doing high and fancy diving at the swimming pool at Hershey Park, Hershey, Pa., Sunday afternoon, July 17. Price's back is broken near the waist and he is unable to mvoe either his arms or legs. It was while making his double handspring double flip that his back was broken, when on the rebound his back struck the end of the diving board. Price has had a career as a cowboy, rough rider, circus acrobat and fancy diver, and went to Europe with Buffalo Bill Wild West Shows. At various times Mr. Price was connected with some of the country's largest circuses.
Richards Bros. Overland Show has been touring the State of Kentucky. The show crossed the Ohio River into Illinois on July 17. The show expects to be in Illinois about four or five weeks and then tour Indiana and Ohio. Prof. M. A. Whitney, with his concert band, joined at Sturgis, Ky., July 9. T. R. Edwards, for seven years ahead of the Mollie A. Bailey Show, also joined at Sturgis, and assumed charge of the No. 1 advance truck. His assistants are W. B. Alland and Z. A. (Tuffle) Ingram. The Ingram Family rejoined the show recently after an absence of four months with relatives in the oil fields of Texas. This is their eighth season on the Richards Shows. - Reagan Daniel (show representative)
Youngstown, O., July 21. In is an alleged dice game in one of the trains of the Ringling-Barnum Circus, which played here last Saturday, Matt Walker, 35, circus employee, was shot through the head at 2 o'clock Sunday morning. Walker, police were informed, was leaning from an upper berth of the car watching a "crap" game in progress on the floor. One of the players is said to have excitedly drawn a revolver and fired above his head. The bullet caught Walker in his mouth, emerging from the back of his head. Walker was taken to a Youngstown hospital, where it is said he has a slight chance for recovery. The man who fired the revolver fled from the train and was not apprehended.
Auburn, N. Y., July 22. Sig Sautelle, who has been traveling with Lowery Brothers Tent show since last May doing vaudeville stunts, arrived back in Homer, his home town, July 9. He reports that on Friday, July 8, an electric storm, accompanied by a gale of wind, wrecked Lowery Brothers' tent and show paraphernalia at Port Carbon, Pa. The center pole of the tent was broken in three places and great havoc wrought.
Billboard, August 13, 1921, pp. 44, 45, 46, 73. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Princeton, Ind., Aug. 2. The Castello-Walton Family of riders joined the Walter L. Main Shows here today, coming direct to the circus from South America, where they completed a tour of the world. Ed Walton, manager of the act, states that he went to New York from Colon by the way of the Panama Canal, after having spent the past winter in Rio Janeiro, toured Uraguay, Paraguay, Chili and most of Brazil. The show traveled by rail most of the time, but crossed the Andes Mountain into Chili by wagons and pack mules. The same horses that appeared in the ring tody were led across the mountains, and Walton states that they have been lowered over ship sides into open boats, driven up and down mountains. He says that his wife, nee Castello, is looking forward to a visit with her parents at Henderson, N. C.
Lindeman Bros. Circus is still in Wisconsin and will stay in that State the rest of the season. The closing date is set for October 1, and the show will again winter at Sheboygan. Business has been wonderful for the past five weeks. The show now has a band of ten and together with the air calliope, it makes the natives sit up and take notice. Captain Wm. Gensh is doing great work with Jimmy, the black bear. James B. Rock is the general agent. This organization now has nine trucks, a Delco electric light plant, Tangley air calliope, and a 60 foot round top with two 20 foot middle pieces; cookhouse and dressing room. With the show are Billy Lindeman, Gust Lindeman, Albert Lindeman, Joseph Tonuitti, Norman Ligthart Alvin Pantell, Alvin Miller, Art Heller, Aug. Henning, Bill Gensh, Art Young, Billy Burkhart, Charles Beathel, Mlle. Hilda, Luyce Linda, the Two Laviers, Two Nelsons and Clara Lindeman.
Rue and Laura Enos are now on the Sells-Floto Circus, having joined at Toronto on July 13.
James Kerr, formerly chef on the Barnum & Bailey and the Ringling-Barnum Shows, has purchased the Batson Hotel, Iona, Mich.
Doc Williams, until recently superintendent with Lincoln Bros. Circus, says that the show closed recently, and he is spending a few weeks around Syracuse, N. Y., until he lines up as boss canvasman or carpenter with another show.
C. A. Zech, owner and manager of the side show with the Great Keystone Show, says that the season has been good. He transports his own show with four horses and a wagon.
Felix Morales and the former Margaret Barton, of the Walter L. Main Circus, displaying not the least suggestion of a secret, and all the time Felix had a marriage license tucked away in his kick or in his keister, at Newport, Ky.
Mrs. Bobby Zenero, of the Aerial Zeneros, is presently at home in Erie, Pa., before starting fair bookings.
Corry, Pa., Aug. 3. The Carl Clark Dog and Pony Show played here Monday. This circus travels overland, playing all the large and small villages encountered, and finding business good.
Jack A. Wilson, who has been away from circuses since 1916, in which year the arrival of a bright-faced youngster into his family was accompanied by the death of Mrs. Wilson, is again under the white tops. Jack is with the Rhoda Royal Circus, selling reserved seat tickets in the connection, his same duties as formerly with Howe's London, Sells & Downs, Cole Bros. and last with Barton & Bailey. Last season Wilson was witht he World at Home Shows, and for three seasons previous with the late ex-circus man, J. W. Conklin. His son is said to now be a healthy five-year-old, and the pride of his "daddy."
Billboard, August 20, 1921, pp. 58, 59, 60, 61, 108. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Clarksville, Tenn., Aug. 10. The Main Show is now touring the South and business has been only fair. Mrs. Sallie Hughes-Walker has retired from the show business and has taken up household duties with her husbanc at Easton, Pa., where he is engaged in the printing business.
Campbell Bros. Trained Wild Animal Shows are now in Nova Scotia, Can. This show has toured California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New Brunswick, since opening in March. Although business was bad at the opening of the season in California, it has picked up lately, and at present is very good. The big trained lion act and educated giraffe are big hits. The Zemoras closed to play fairs. They were replaced by the Callahan Brothers, aerialists. Tom Moss has rejoined the show, having closed with Rice Bros. Show. Equestrian director Walter Allen is doing his principal and hurdle acts. Schidler, Gurhen and Hall are doing a burlesque act. Russell's trained geese and dogs please the children. The business staff remains the same: William Campbell, owner and manager; Mrs. Wm., Campblee, treasurer; Clarence Auskings, general agent; George H. Irving, manager of side show; Jack Britt, reserved seats; Ross Mitchell, candy stands; Hank, boss of canvas; Bill Sykes, boss hostler; "Lightning" in charge of ring stock. - Roy Glidden (on the show)
J. Raymond Morris has left the No. 3 car of the Ringling-Barnum Show, and is now in Chattanooga, Tenn.
The Spaun Family Show, which opened in April, is playing to good business, according to reports. The show is working Ohio and West Virginia. Aldine, of Aldine and Wright,is with the Spaun Family Show, performing on rings and doing hand balancing. Aldine and Wright will open on the Keith Circuit next month.
John Henry Rice has left Chicago to join the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus as local contractor. John Henry recently left the Howe London Shows. Isabel Walker, of the Riding Davenports, has left the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus. She is in Chicago, staying at the home of Mrs. Ella Daventport.
The Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus will play no part of the South this fall according to reports. Of all the sections of the country, none are in worse shape than the cotton belt. City officials are also discouraging tented organizations due to the hard times.
William Hughes joined the Howe's Great London Circus at Lexington, Ky., last week as assistant solo cornettist. He and his wife recently closed with the "Cowboy and the Girl" Company. Mr. Hughes handling the character parts and Mrs. Hughes playing leads.
Jack LaPearl, producing clown with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, closed recently and has joined Chas. W. Benner's "Peck's Bad Boy" Company, with which show he has been identified for the past seven seasons.
The kitchen staff on the Great Sanger Circus consists of Eddie James, chef and steward; Wylie Spraling, assistant; Miller Jones, waiter; Old Dad, dish washer, and Sam Lynch, porter.
H. R. Brison, with the Great Keystone Show, writes that the show was waterbound at St. Clara, W. Va., for two days. It was necessary to ford several streams and the water was so high that the smalls tock had to swim. The show arrived at Big Springs, W. Va., August 5, just in time to give a matinee performance.
Ted Tipton, who was one of the Original Three Ernests, with Sully, Rogers and Sully, and lately working with the Three Walters on the Sparks Shows, writes that he is in a hospital, Dr. Garver's Sanatorium, Columbus, O.
Bobby Gossans, who recently clowned on the Walter L. Main Circus, is now with the Lasses White Minstrels. Bobby informed us that he will be back with the show again next season.
Claire Illington, oriental dancer with Howe's Great London Circus, is now visiting his parents in Divernon, Ill. Mr. Illingon says he has a new wardrobe and expects to make fairs with some of the larger carnivals.
Monte George Nelford writes that he has left the Barnes Circus in order to promote minstrel shows for fraternal organizations.
The Cole & Rogers Two-Car Circus, after a tour through West Virginia and Virginia, is now in North Carolina, playing eight stands on the Norfolk and Southern. The show is being managed by Eldridge and Wright. Good business is reported.
The Hanna Triplets, Iva, Eva and Ida, and their mother, Mrs. S. Hanna, with the Howe's Great London Circus, formerly a feature in the annex with different large shows, have changed to the big show program and are doing nicely in the aerial and statuary numbers. A tight wire offering by the three sisters is in process of rehearsal.
L. D. Bland (Blair), 29, for five years side show boss canvasman and at the time of his death boss canvasman with Sparks' World Famous Shows, died in Northern New York State, August 1. Surviving are his widow, one brother and one sister, all residing in Louisville, Ky.
Theodore B. Long, for twenty years bandmaster with the original Sells Brothers Circus, died recently in Kansas City, Mo. The deceased was 73 years old and enjoyed excellent health up until about three weeks previous to his demise. His widow, Jennie Cozart Long, and one son, Harry A. Long, of Columbus, Miss., survive.
Billboard, August 27, 1921, pp. 42, 43, 116. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Atterbury Wagon Show is now in Northern Minnesota. The last ad in The Billboard brought to the show John Lancaster, producing clown, who is in charge of elephant banners. Clown alley is lively with four joeys. Manager Atterbury is negotiating with the railroads for the big jump from Minnesota to Oklahoma for the winter tour, commencing in October. Most of the people have been re-engaged for the winter season to last until December 25.
George Irwin is managing the side show with Campbell Brothers Circus.
Harry F. Storin, who was treasurer on the Lincoln Bros. Circus, has been added to the executive staff of the Pat Casey Vaudeville offices in New York.
Johnny Baker can be found at the Pahaska Tepee, Colo., near the tomb of Col. W. F. Cody (Buffalo Bill), with whom he was so long associated. He has the concessions for novelties.
Chet Wheeler, the veteran circus man, was 75 years "young" on August 18. Mr. Wheeler was on the old John Robinson Circus when it traveled by wagon route in 1859.
Colonel George W. Ross, of Vanceboro, Me., is still "among those present" with the Howe's Great London Shows. The Colonel, known as the capturer of Captain Werner Horn, who attempted to blow up the International Bridge at Vanceboro, Me., in 1915, reported that Warner Horn had been pronounced insane after having served six of a seven year sentence, and was deported to Germany.
William Campbell announces that he will winter Campbell Brothers Trained Wild Animal (two car) Circus in the East this winter. The show has been very successful in Eastern Canadian provinces. The animal department of the show consists of three lions, performing elephant, camel, monkeys, seven horses and performing dogs among others. This show is equipped with two Delco plants, one on the car and other mounted on wagon. Three cages and a new baggage car were purchased last spring.
Willimantic, Conn., home of Al E. Greene (Willie), advertising manager of Sparks Circus, was a busy day for Al when the circus recently played it. Willie was recently married to Minnie Thompson, the well-known rider, and it was her first appearance in the home town.
Wheeler Bros. Show is now in its twentieth week, and business has been good. The Carolinas, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York were visited during April and May. The balance of the summer up to the present has been spent in Canada. The management is not putting out a street parade this season, but Frank P. Meister and his concert band bring the crowds to the lot daily, where a number of free exhibitions are given. . . . The show will put in, as usual, a very long season, closing and wintering "some where" in the Southern States. - Leland E. Wheeler (press representative)
Charles Lyles [or Liles], for many years with the M. L. Clark & Sons Shows, died last week in the winter quarters of that show in Alexandria, La. Lyles, who was about 68 years old, was taken ill while en route with the show in Oklahoma, and was sent to Alexandria, where he lingered for a short time. Interment was in the Rapides Cemetery, Pineville, La. He is survived by a widow and three stepchildren. [see September 3 issue]
Billboard, September 3, 1921, pp. 62, 63, 65, 108. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Charles Liles [or Lyles], who died at Alexandria, La., August 17, had been with the M. L. Clark & Sons Wagon Show for the past nine years. He joined the P. T. Barnum Show at the age of seventeen as a candy butcher, when that show was on wagons. In later years he had been doing Punch and Judy and making openings, and also had the ticket wagon with the Clark show. He leaves a widow, Mrs. Lizzie Liles, who had also been with the Clark Show for the past nine years, doing blackface in the concert and in charge of reserved seats, and three stepdaughters, all professionals, namely: Mrs. Everett James, with the Christy Bros. Shows; Mrs. Irene Bennett, with the John Robinson Circus, and Mrs. Annette Nock, of Houston, Tex.
Al W. Copeland has returned East after spending five months in California on the new Venice pier, where he, with Joe Edwards, was exhibiting Congo and the movie apes. He was also with F. W. Babcock Greater Shows. Copeland is now buying show property and arranging to take out a motorized one-ring circus. He plans to have six trucks and six trailers, with one truck in advance, and work the South en route to the coast. While out in California Copeland met Col. Fred Cummins, who, he says, is holding down a job in an oil field.
Donald A. Grant writes from Pocatello, Id., that he joined the Sells-Floto Circus at Ogden, Utah.
Fred A. Coyle, female impersonator, will rejoin the John Robinson Circus at Newport, Ky., August 31.
Frank T. Kelly, who was with the Rhoda Royal Circus, is now making the fairs. Kelly says he will be with the big one out of Granger, Ia., next spring.
Jack Bird, formerly of the Rhoda Royal Circus, doing a whip cracking act, is now organizing a five-people medicine show, which will play Wisconsin towns.
Dixie Vinson spent the day with the Al G. Barnes Show at Owensboro, Ky. (his home town), August 19. Dixie was formerly with Sun Bros. and John Robinson Shows, but for the past two seasons has devoted his time to the production of musical comedy.
H. F. Strickler, clarinet player, last season with the Walter L. Main Circus and during the past winter with Bill Fowler's Rube Band, with the No. 1 County Fair film, is this season with S. W. Floyd's 16 piece concert band on the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus.
Bob Cook is a busy man around the Wheeler Bros. Shows. In addition to filling the duties of steward and master of transportation, he is now looking after the press back with the show.
Clowns on the Al G. Barnes Circus include Austin C. King, producing clown; Chas. Post, Curly Phillips, James Lauire, W. J. Morgan, Drew Sanfield, Melvin Renick, Bill Taafe, Bert Leo, Fred Marco, Jack Klippel, Bert Lawrence, Jack Harris, Chas. Fortuna and Frank Fletcher.
The Woody Family is still with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, now touring Wisconsin. Billie Woody is doing a free attraction, leads the clown band, plays openings for the side show and does two acts in the big show, single contortion and trapeze and comedy mule hurdle. Robert Woody is working the clowns in several big acts.
Staff of Al G. Barnes Circus (back with the show) includes: Al G. Barnes, owner; W. K. Peck, manager; J. W. Prinz, treasurer; Cotton Appleby, auditor; Myers Schlom, purchasing agent and assistant auditor; Thomas "Skinny" Dawson, press agent; Elmer Lingo, special agent; E. T. Whiteney, Melvin Pennock, L. Ingelheim and J. W. Peterson, on the front door; Chas. Boulware, C. S. Giles and S. J. Harris, big show ticket sellers.
Divorces. Victoria Helen Davenport recently filed suit against Oren B. Davenport, charging him with cruelty and misconduct. The Davenports are prominent circus performes, being billed on the Ringling-Barnum Show as "The Great Davenport Family."
Billboard, September 10, 1921, pp. 62, 63, 65. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Wm. Morehead, formerly of the Sells-Floto and Barnum & Bailey shows, has retired from the road and is working at the shop in Seattle, and during his spare time is tending to a ten acre ranch.
L. Ray Choisser (Crazy Ray, calliope player) writes The Billboard that he is confined to the Marine Hospital, Pittsburg, Pa., with complication of diseases and will under go an operation. He says he is without funds, being a charity charge at the hospital, on account of spending his entire summer's salary which he made on the excursion steamer, "Verne Swain," for treatment, and appeals to friends in the circus world for assistance. Choisser is a circus tiket agent and calliope player, having been with the Mugivan-Bowers attractions for eight years.
LaMont Bros. Shows are now in their sixteenth week, the route taking them through Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Business, with the exception of seven stands in eastern Wisconsin, has been good. The roster of the show is practically the same as it was at the opening stand at Salem, Ill., May 1. The Two LaZellas, who left of play fair dates, have been replace by the Mazeppa Trio, aerialists and wire walkers. "Baby Freda," baby elephant, the feature attraction, is five years old, measures four feet, seven inches in height and weighs 976 pounds. Some of the principal acts in the big show programe are: Ralph Senft, single trapeze, flying rings and swinging perch; Prof. Zoronda and his trained goose; Rodgers and Baker, comedy, magic and illusions; Miss Dannison, swinging ladders and iron jaw; LaMont Bros.' high school horses and pony drill; "Nobs," riding monkey. The clowns are Baker, Parker, Rodgers and Argenbright.
The side show has the following lineup: Elmer Porterfield, manager and openings; Prof. Branson and his performing doves; Col. Kennel, fire eating and magic; Leota Mae, snake enchantress; E. Porterfield, punch act; Baby Venette, illusion. Prof. Palmer has the band with the following musicians: Jim English, Chas. Hamilton, E. M. Palmiter, E. Johnson, C. O. Sears, John Conrad, Fred Nelson, Wm. Courtois and Jimmie Nadel. Slim Lattie [Lattle?] is boss canvasman; Sypes Haines, boss hostler; Jack Tellrope, pony boy; Jessie Henry, chef; Raymond Bramson, superintendent of properties; Trusty Uncle John, night watchman. The executive staff includes C. R. LaMont, sole owner and manager; Chas. Randolph, secretary and treasurer; Doc Filly, agent with two billposters, Eddie Laughlin and Chic Hesse. Ernest Haines is in charge of animals and Mrs. G. Randolph is calliope player. The show is routed South through Iowa, Missouri and Souther Illinois and will close the latter part of October. - Billy Rodgers (on the show)
Roland Douglas, formerly of the Sells-Floto brigade, is now general advertising agent for the Texas Cotton Palace Exposition, Waco, Tex.
Jack Harris, clown, left the Al G. Barnes Circus August 24 for Chicago, to take charge of Ed Holder's Tango mule, now playing fairs and vaudeville.
Capt. John Guilfoyle and Mrs. Guilfoyle, late of Howe's Great London Circus, have returned to the Johnny J. Jones Exposition. The former is chief animal trainer with the Trained Wild Animal Show and the Missus works a leopard act in the same attraction.
While the Rhoda Royal Circus was at Elgin, Ill., August 31, W. A. Atkins, Billboard representative, had a talk with the former famous bareback rider, Robert Stickney. His daughter, Emily Stickney, is the featured bareback equestrienne with the show, and stopped the performance, with her father directing. Mr. Stickney also has charge of the reserved seat section, and made himself generally useful during the performance.
The Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus is in its 24th week of the season. With the show are: Pony Red, equestrian director; Rasbetta Bros., Bill Bennett, Woody Family, Mr. Floyd, bandmaster; Harry Phillips, B. Green, McCloud Family, Hank Linten and wife, Dick Hizaki Jap Troupe, Celeste, Rube Parmer, Levron Trio, and Mrs. Colorado Grant. Al Langdon has charge of the elephants and Jack Dempsey has the cookhouse.
Richards & Sons' Modern Motorized Show is traveling along nice roads in Southwestern Oklahoma and doing good business. Since the opening on March 14 the management has disposed of five trucks, and is only using five trucks now. Wolfe and Henderson closed at Burbank, Ok., being replaced by the Gilmores. Mrs. F. Richards is directing the chorus. The LaStarr Sisters, Nell and Dollie, are furnishing a free act in front of the big show. Savoi LaStarr is the producing clown, assisted by three joeys. Members of the show visited the Pate [Pat?] Boone Circus and Wild West at Council Hill, Ok., August 22. Manager F. Richards says he will stay out all winter. - F. Richards Jr. (on the show)
Frank Reed, brigade agent, closed with the advance on the Campbell Bros. Circus at Canton, Me., and left for his home in Lewiston, Me.
Billboard, September 17, 1921, pp. 82, 83. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Andrew Downie, who has made a success with the Walter L. Main Circus, will close the present season at Havre de Grace, Md., Saturday, September 17, after what has been one of the best in the history of the show. Andrew Downie stated to The Billboard that his reasons for closing earlier than usual were that it would require all his time to construckt the new show during the fall and winter and the South did not look good to him, and he did not care to take any chances farther South. Sunday, September 18 the show will be packed away. Monday work will be commenced in building the new show. New flats have already been contracted for, and are under construction by the Haffner-Thrall Car Co., of Chicago. The contract for the new baggage wagons has been awarded to the Thornhill Wagon Co. of Lynchburg, Va. The new big show will be a 120 foot round top, with five 40 foot middle pieces, and will be built by the U. S. Tent & Awnings Co. of Chicaog, who will furnish all the canvas equipment, including a five pole menagerie, new cookhouse and stables. All of the small cages will be discarded and regulation dens substituted. To the dining department will be added steam tables and cookers and other labor saving devices. Downie's elephants will play a string of fair dates for ten weeks, opening immediately after the closing of the show.
The railroad equipment will consist of 15 flats, one elephant car, six stocks, four standard sleepers and two state-room cars. Two cars will be used in advance. The No. 1 car will be new and of steel. All of the new flats will be 61 feet in length, will all steel draft gears and eighty thousand capacity with five by nine journals. The new advance car will be an 80 foot car and fitted with every convenience.
A special cable to The New York Herald, from Paris, September 3, conveyed the information that Footit, France's famous clown, had died. Several hundred people followed his body to the grave on Wednesday, August 31. He was fifty-five years old.
Ab Johnson left the John Robinson Circus and joined the M. L. Clark Show at Salem, Mo., September 8. The Balancing Knights left the Howe Show at Richmond, Va., September 5, and will join the M. L. Clark Show.
Lew F. Cullings, with his dog and pony show, has been touring the smaller towns along the nouthwest coast to reported good business.
Joseph Whitey Ross, who was with the Howe Show, will play fairs the rest of the season.
Earl H. Page, in clown alley on the Howe Show, spent August 28 and 29 with his mother in Phoenixville, Pa.
The following are in clown alley on Palmer Bros. Wild Animal Circus: Ray Woods, producing clown; Fatty Booth, L. D. Bartlett, Horace Scott, Bernard Dennis, Frank Swartz, Jim Harper, William Jones and Billie Davidson.
Fred Leslie, the fat clown, has been made press agent back with the Cole Bros. Show. Leslie also does the buying for the show, looks after the mail and clowns in the big show.
Walter L. Curler, formerly on the No. 1 car of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, also the John Robinson Show, has left Indianapolis, Ind., where he was holding down a position as linotype operator on The Star, and is now on R. M. Harvey's Perry Daily Chief, at Perry, Ia., in a similar position.
Billboard, September 24, 1921, pp. 72, 73, 74. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Union City, Ind., Sept. 16. After twenty-two successful weeks on the road, during which time most of the leading Ohio cities were played, Maloon Bros. Circus returned to winter quarters here this week. The Maloon Bros. will go into vaudeville this winter with their dogs and ponies. Carl Pierce will do likewise.
Robert Lorentz, former ticket seller, is with the U. S. Leather Company at Paw Paw, W. Va.
Frank Jones, who was with the side show on the Walter L. Main Circus, has joined the Sparks Show.
Howard Deetz, at one time a member of the LaNole, Melnotte, LaNole wire act of Barnum & Bailey Circus fame is connected with a music house in Cumberland, Md.
Al Hicks, general agent of Wheeler Bros. Shows, informs us that at North Portal, Sask., Can., on September 8, they were unable to get auto routes out to the country on account of the roads, and used an airplane to advertise the coming of the circus. Mr. Hicks thinks that Wheeler Bros. is the first circus to use this method in advertising a circus. The billed seven towns and over 100 miles in a few hours. Those in the airplane were Ted Power, aviator; Al Hicks, general agent; Stanley Beall, billposter; Harry Bowman, brigade agent; and Ed ___, billposter.
"Shivy" Cheuvront, meteoric bill stick, late of Allen's Combined Circus, is in Parkersburg, W. Va., visiting his brother, "Speck," show is in charge of the Smoot Billposting Plant in Parkersburg. "Shivy" is about fifty years of age.
Robert Hayes De Melrose, formerly of the Walter L. Main Circus, has taken over the stewardship of the Howe's Great London Circus, relieving Charles Mugivan, who was overseeing the cookhouse while handling the front door of the big show. Charley heaved a mighty sigh of relief when his tough stretch of doubling in brass was over.
Billboard, October 1, 1921, pp. 64, 65, 66, 108. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
J. T. Fitzsimmons of Frank Schaefer's department on the Ringling-Barnum Show, left at St. Louis with the destination of Cape Town, South Africa. Fitzsimmons has been in the employ of Schaefer for the last eight years. Previous to that he operated small circuses of his own in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, and is going to South Africa to make the venture all over again. Mrs. Fitzsimmons has already preceded him with the equipment and now Fitz goes from New York to Hamburg, where he has his players assembled and from there will reship to Cape Town on the first boat to leave, taking his company with him.
W. H. (Billy) Selvage has completed his duties as general contracting agent for the Walter L. Main Circus and has joined the advance forces of the Sparks Circus in a similar capacity for the balance of the season. The closing of the present season made the ninth season Selvage has been associated with general agent F. J. Frink.
Henry Welsh, boss hostler, is sojourning at his brother's ranch near Sunrise, Wyoming.
Charles L. Smith, calliope and cornet player with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus this season, has joined Vogel's Minstrels.
Slivers Johnson write that he is leaving the John Robinson Circus to go into burlesque. He has been in clown alley on that show for the past eight seasons.
Everett, Harris and Everett comedy acrobats, closed their season with the Walter L. Main Circus at Havre de Grace, Md., September 17. The will open in vaudeville in New York.
Josh Billings closed the season as manager of advertising car No. 2 of the Walter L. Main Show at Havre de Grace, Md., September 10, and jumped to Rapid City, S. D., to take charge of the opposition brigade with the Wheeler Bros. Shows for the balance of the season.
General agent Albert Sigsbee, of Myhre's Eastern Circus, advises that the show opened at Wykoff, Minn., May 4 and closed at Elizabeth, Minn., on September 10. The show made Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin territory, playing to fair business. On the advance were Lester Lubuy, billposter, and Mrs. Albert Sigsbee, programmer.
G. W. Christie, agent of the Keystone Show, writes that he recently visited the Dandy Dixie Show, of which his son-in-law, G. W. Gregory, is proprietor. Christie found his grandchildren in good health.
Taylorville, Ill., Sept. 24. The Lowande one-ring circus exhibited at Kincaid, Ill., September 22, to capacity business. A. G. Lowande's work on a slender rop is still going over big, as well as his comedy mule hurdle riding act. Mrs. Carrieth Lowande had to leave the show this week on account of illness and is at her winter home at Petersburg, Ill. The Lowande Circus will furnish the feature attraction for the Home-Coming celebration at Assumption, Ill., October 4-7.
Robert Bolton, trainmaster for the Gentry Brothers Shows, was shot by a negro at Spray, N. C., August 20, and died nine days later. Burial was at Little Rock, Ark., September 1.
Billboard, October 8, 1921, pp. 64, 65, 66, 108. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
By the time this appears in print the Great Sanger Circus will have closed its season and gone into winter quarters. The date of closing was slated for October 4 at Clay Court House, W. Va. The show, as usual, will winter at Memphis, Tenn., where it will be put into shape for next year. Taking everything into consideration, the 1921 tour, according to Floyd King, was satisfactory from a financial standpoint. The show had been out since April 4. This is the first time in thirteen years that Floyd King has failed to go South with a show.
Richards Bros. Shows, now in Kentucky, have started on their Southern tour. Some new canvas was purchased by Mr. Richards while in Louisville, including a new side show khaki tent, 40 foot round top, with two twenties, and all trimmings of red, and several new sleeping tents. Two baby Nubian lions, purchased from James Patterson, are doing nicely, and quite an attraction in the pit show. Another feature added to the animal show is a large leopard, purchased recently. Recent visitors to the show were Rose and Otto Kilian, of the Rose Kilian Show. - Reagan Daniel (on the show)
Carl Clark closed his show at Painesville, O., where it will be quartered at the fair groungs for the winter. Two of his ponies, Marty and Silky, received first prize at the Painesville Fair, and Mr. Clark's wife took the blue ribbon with her high school horse, Princess. Mr. and Mrs. Claude Daniels have left for Terre Haute, Ind., and will play vaudeville later on. Reva Wiles, who had the privileges on the show, will winter in Syracuse, N. Y. Can Bodder, trap drummer, took two pony colts with him to Chambersburg, Pa., and will break them this winter. Bunny Cave and Dr. Shipley, who did the advance work, will break in a new troupe of dogs duing their spare time this winter. Chas. Reilly, who had the canvas, will operate a cigar store in Cazenovia, N. Y., for L. A. Smith, former clown with the Barnum & Bailey Show. Mr. Clark says he is going to enlarge his show next year and make Ohio and New York territory. - Chas. Reilly
The Woody Family opened and closed the season with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, and returned to home at Joplin, Mo.
Abe Goldstein left the Howe Show at Norfolk, Va., and is now with the Rubin & Cherry (carnival) Shows. He has the banners with Jack King's Wild West.
Arthur Day, well-known circus man, is living in Augusta, Me., where he is conducting a chicken ranch. Mr. Day has been associated with the "white tops" for more than 20 years.
Martin Morales and family, who were with the Walter L. Main Circus this season, closing with the show in order to play fair dates.
Walter D. Nealand, circus press agent and actor, closed a successful season with the John Robinson Circus on September 26, was on his way to Chicago, where he will open an agency and manage and organize indoor circuses for a big Chicago concern. Mr. Nealand is the author of "The Fixer," a story of circus and small town life, which he played over the leading vaudeville circuits for the past six years. . . .
Canton, O., Sept. 29. Charles Siegrist, daddy of the Siegrist troupe of aerialists, for the past twelve years a feature act with the Ringling-Barnum shows, announced that he is breaking in several new people preparatory to the opening of a new aerial casting act, similar to the one now with the big show. Siegrist this week is playing the Stark County Fair, using a new act with four people, including himself. His recruits are Red Maloy, Irene Graves and Harry Tritch. Siegrist was compelled, in mid-season, to leave his act on the Ringling Show and return to his home here, where he is recuperating from an ailment which prevented him from doing his act. . . . He intended to enter a local hospital next week and undergo an operation which he expects will result in his recovery and his return to the act in time for the opening of the 1922 season next March. Seigrist plans to book one of the acts next summer at State fairs and independent celebrations, and continue the original act with the Ringling-Barnum Show. His wife is now managing this act. This act at the close of the present circus season will play several indoor circuses.
Guy Romagosa, better known as Guy Wheeler, steam calliope player, formerly with Sells-Floto Circus, lost his uncle, L. O. Romagosa of Shreveport, La., who passed away September 4. Wheeler will receive his entire fortune. Wheeler writes that he will go to Shreveport, get his mother, and then go to California to live, giving up the white tops.
While Lindeman Bros. Circus played Hebron, Wis., September 22, the following show people were visitors: Walter Gollmar and wife, Frank Hall and wife, Harry Wintermute and wife, ___ Wintermute and wife, Harry Fowler and wife, and bandmaster Webb. The season closed at Waldo, Wis., on October 1.
Frank Cotton, 59, old-time clown, a veteran of both Ringling's and Barnum & Bailey Circuses, died September 25 at Potsdam, N. Y., of apoplexy. During latter years Cotton played fairs with a trained donkey act.
Billboard, October 15, 1921, pp. 66, 67. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Reuben Ray, of the one-ring circus of that name, has written The Billboard from Wymore, Neb., as follows: "Just a line to let you know that our show will tour Mexico this winter. Just closed outside fair dates. Had a successful season after our hard luck of having been badly burned July 13, when we were forced to close our one-ring circus tent show."
Eddie Conliss writes that he is now working the track (come in) with Doc Keene on the John Robinson Circus. The first part of the season he was working the track with Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson.
Report has it that Mr. and Mrs. Allen Hauser (Mrs. Hauser is better known as LaVerne Venable), who have trouped a number of seasons with the Al G. Barnes Trained Wild Animal Circus, left the show at Wichita, Kan., on September 24, as they wanted to winter at Kirksville, Mo. It is said that the Hausers have purchased two thorobred stallions which they are breaking into high school specialties.
Billboard, October 22, 1921, pp. 68, 69, 70. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Campbell Bros. Circus closed the season at Barnegat, N. J., October 7 and went into winter quarters October 8 at Cedar Crest, N. J., 54 miles from Philadelphia on the Penn. R. R. Tuckerton Branch, where there is trackage for the cars and buildings for the stock and animals. Wm. Campbell will remain at Cedar Crest for a few weeks and then go to his home at Evansville, Wis. He will leave the quarters in charge of Chas. Russell Hall, who with four assistants will look after the animals and stock.
Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 15. The United Circus Corporation, with capitalization given at $40,000, filed an application for a charter on Tuesday. The incorporators are Floyd King, Howard King, Claude Jarbo, L. B. Greenhaw and Julius H. Brod. The purpose given is the operation of a circus or circuses. Floyd and Howard King are the owners of the Great Sanger Show, which recently arrived here from the road to go into winter quarters.
Campbell and Hutchinson, directors of the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus and Wild West, have arranged with Col. W. P. Hall for winter quarters at Lancaster, Mo. W. P. Campbell will personally be in charge at the quarters and will soon start preparations for the 1922 season. It is intended to add trained animal numbers to the circus and Wild West, increasing the performance, parade and seating capacity. Next season will be the third annual tour for the show.
Harry Delavine, who was with the Great Sanger Circus, has joined the Rhoda Royal Circus, handling side show tickets.
Robert Stickney Sr., and daughter Emily, left the Rhoda Royal Circus at Williamstown, Ky., October 13, and returned to their home in Cincinnati.
Slim King and Fat Leeman, formerly of the Yankee Robinson Show and this season with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, will winter in Granger, Ia., and will assist in building a new show there for next spring.
L. B. Greenhaw, general agent for the Great Sanger Circus this season, closed the advance of that circus and jumped to Shelbyville, Ky., to assume the duties of contracting agent for the Rhoda Royal Circus.
Rippel Bros. Show will close a season of thirty-two weeks October 22, and go into winter quarters at Orange, Va. The season has been successful, says Gus Rippel, owner and manager.
Peggy Waddell, impersonator, and working the untameable lion act in the kid show with the Rhoda Royal Circus, closed with the show at Williamstown, Ky., October 13, and on his way home to Ft. Madison, Ia., dropped into the home office of The Billboard.
Harold Reyno, formerly pit show manager on the Howe Show, has closed with Kelly's Lady Minstrels.
Friends of Harry J. Farquhar, business manager for Chess Davis' Musical Revue, will be grieved to learn of his death at the Jefferson Hotel, Kirksville, Mo., October 9. Mr. Farquhar for a number of years was advance agent for the Sells-Floto Circus. For the past four years he has booked E. L. Brown's Saxophone Sextet. [C. L Brown?]
In a communication to The Birmingham (Ala.) Age-Herald, W. E. Morgan, of Knoxville, Tenn., of the three-ring Roman circus, sets forth a desire to open in Birmingham about the first of next March. Mr. Morgan declared the modernization of the present-day circus had caused many people to lose sight of the old Roman circus of the sixteenth century. This circus is one the plan of the Maximinis circus of Rome. There are four-horse chariot races, two-horse standing races, high and long distance leapers, camels, elephants, and all in the old Roman style. The circus is now being rebuilt for the opening next spring and it will be a combination of the old Roman circus and the modern circus. The exhibition will be given in a large open-air arena. Owners and promoters of the circus are: W. E. Morgan, Knoxville, Tenn.; J. John Lee, Middlesboro, Ky.; Miss M. O. Morgan, Kansas City; H. Cline, Detroit; and W. E. Martin of Knoxville.
Business with the Esqueda Bros. Show in Sacramento and Stockton, Cal., was very good, according to Lee Teller. The show opened in Oakland, Cal., on October 11, for one week and will then play at the Exposition Auditorium, San Francisco, for nine days, having contracts to appear at the Shriners' Circus. Doc Boyd's Society Circus played to capacity for three days on the Captiol Grounds in sacramento. Members of the Henry Dog and Pony Circus were visitors to the Esqueda Show at Stockton. The Esqueda Show will remain out all winter.
Tom Atkinson's Dog, Pony and Monkey Circus, now touring Georgia, is playing to good business, according to Prince Elmer, press representative. Mr. Atkinson has just purchased a beautiful Arabian menage horse, also bucking mule. Mrs. Atkinson has six of the best military ponies in the business, in conjuction with a dog and monkey act. Prince Elmer has a January act with the show. Mr. Atkinson is enlarging his show to tour Georgia and Florida for the winter. Tom Atkinson is manager, Ethel Atkinson secretary and treasurer, Ray O'Wesney equestrian director, Pop Atkinson boss hostler (with three assistants) and Prince Elmer producing clown (with two assistants).
Dan Brewer, a former showman, is now in the law business in Clarksdale, Miss. For many years he was connected with privileges with several circuses and also as legal adjuster. Shows with which Mr. Brewer was connected were Joe McMahon, Willie Sells (Sells & Gray and Sells & Renfro), Sells Bros., Forepaugh-Sells Bros. and Campbell Bros. He was on the road constantly from ___ to 1903, when he engaged in the practice of law, and since then has served as Circuit Judge and District Attorney for the Eleventh District of Mississippi.
Billboard, October 29, 1921, pp. 64, 65, 108. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Chicago, Oct. 20. Prof. A. L. Morrell, whittler, who was with Col. Owens on the pit show in Riverview Park last season, left this week to join the Al G. Barnes Circus in Lawton, Ok.
Eddie Brodie, late superintendent of the electric light department of Howe's Great London Circus, is now located in Norfolk, Va., in the automobile repair business.
Billy Exton is now handling the banners on the Sells-Floto Circus.
L. W. Tozier, director of a band and orchestra on the West Coast, writes that on October 7, in Los Angeles, he took his father, E. S. Tozier (stage name Harry Clifton), of the original Clifton Brothers, to see a Monte Collins, whom he heard was an old trouper, and he thought it might be Eddie Clifton, his top mount. And sure enough it was. It had been 48 years since they saw each other. They were with the old Sells Bros. Show in 1873. Collins is at present working in the movies.
Havre de Grace, Md., Oct. 21. In order that there might be additional space in both the painting and wood working departments, work on the new show, to be put out next spring by Andrew Downie, has been delayed while the necessary alterations have been made. Since the show was stored away workingmen have been busy building a sixty foot addition to the blacksmith and repair shop, so that it will be possible to run in several of the big dens at one time and yet give ample room for the workmen. The building is also being piped for steam head and an addition has been made to the animal room and ring barn. At present there are twenty men around the quarters and work was commenced in earnest this week in the painting department. Supt. Geo. Coy has been hard at work since the first of the month and three wagons have been turned over to the decorators. Additional space has been secured on the race track sidings for the cars and coaches and the train is now located about a mile from the quarters. Two of the new steel flats reached here last week and the others are in the process of construction. One of the horses used by May Wirth last summer was shipped to quarters last week as it is not needed in the vaudeville act. George Coy is looking after the quarters during the absence of the "Governor." W. C. "Baldy" Carmichael is in charge of the dining room. Fred Logan is breaking the bills in a new act, assisted by "Fat" Davidson. Henry Holcomb, "Sailor," is in charge of the wood working department. Frank Sullivan is the cook, and the wirter is in charge of the decorating with Ralph Somerville and two assistants. - Fletcher Smith
Ed. Schaefer, superintendent of sleeping cars for the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus, was found dead in his berth October 18, at Richmond, Va., where the show closed its season. His body was shipped to relatives at Reading, Pa.
Billboard, November 5, 1921, pp. 68, 69, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Peru, Ind., Oct. 29. Messrs. Mugivan, Bowers & Ballard, who control a number of circuses, closed a real estate deal here Thursday, involving a consideration close to $500,000. They bought 600 acres of land, the circus winter quarters, and the car shops for the circus, which have been the property of the estate of Benjamin E. Wallace. The quarters are three miles east of Peru. The buildings there now over seven acres. The new owners have the John Robinson, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Howe's Great Longon, Sells-Floto and the Yankee Robinson Shows, and ultimately they will all be housed on the farms, it is said. This winter the John Robinson, Howe and Yankee Robinson Shows will be housed here. The others will probably be brought here next winter after additional buildings are erected next summer to accommodate them.
"The Santos & Artigas Circus, which opened at the Payret Theater, Havana, Cuba, October 7, to capacity business," writes Louis L. Campbell, of the Four Casting Campbells. "Business with the show has been very good considering the conditions at Havana at the present time. The Picehianis, Fred Herbert and his dogs, the Great Volcano and the Great Henry are recent additions to the program. Directly opposite the Payret Theater Santos & Artigas have their side show under a big top. This show is composed of a large menagerie and numerous freaks, including King Karlo, knife thrower; Princess Arabia, mind reader; Prof. Nelson, sword swallower; Arthur Morgan, twelve-finger wonder; Johnny Ballas, midget; Slitsy, the pin-headed girl; William Doerig, tattoo artist; Miss Doerig, electric woman; Miss Fisher, fat lady, and Capt. Fisher, handcuff king.
Atterbury's Wagon Show finished its eleventh season at Clontarf, Minn., and will winter there. The show traveled more than two thousand miles in thirty weeks, opening at Memphis, Tenn., March 19, and playing through Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Four Stamys, acrobats and musicians, left to play vaudeville; John Lancaster, principal clown, went to Minneapolis to fill a bazaar engagement; Joe Garlardo, trapeze performer, departed for St. Paul; Joe Fowler to Hazel Green, Wis.; Billy Sleck to Bloomington, Ill.; Brigham Shields to Memphis, Tenn.; Thomas W. Powell, ticket seller, to Washington, D. C. to visit his son. Ben Smith and Shorty Lorch will at winter quarters in charge of animals, horses and ponies. Mr. Atterbury has secured some large buildings along with forty acres of land in Clontarf to take care of his show for the winter. - W. A. Allen.
Albert Gaston, veteran clown, was a Billboard caller last week on his way to Peoria, Ill., where he will again enact the role of Santa Claus at Block & Kuhl's Department Store. Joining Howe's Great London Shows at the opening in Albuquerque, N. M., last March, Mr. Gaston remained with them until they played Eastman, Ga., October 18. He departed October 24 for Peoria, with intentions of stopping over in Columbus, O., to pay a visit to his mother, who is 92 years old. Mr. Gaston reached his seventieth milestone October 20. He isn't the oldest active clown, but thinks he clowned longer than any person, having done this line of work since he was about 26 years old. He entered the profession at the age of 11 as an acrobat (Eugene and Gaston) and continue to do acrobatics for fifteen years. He was born in Cincinnati (in the neighborhood of Washington Park).
The John Robinson Circus will close at Cullman, Ala., November 10. Peru, Ind. will again be the winter quarters.
Dan M. Spayd closed as mail agent on the Rhoda Royal Circus and will winter in Chicago.
George C. (Floto) Coleman, after closing with the Ringling-Barnum Circus, joined the Al G. Barnes Circus.
Henry Messer, trombonist, closed the season with the Engel & Eldridge Circus in Quantico, Va., and left for his home in Montreal, Can.
Charles Evans, better known as "Pop," is retired in his old home town, Frankford, Philadelphia, Pa. "Pop" was a boss hostler and trouped with Pawnee Bill, Jones Bros., Frank A. Robbins, etc.
The Alderfer Show is stored for the winter at Owensboro, Ky. Manager C. L. Alderfore reports a season of twenty-two weeks, and that the show will be an eight wagon outfit next year, opening early in April.
F. A. (Doc) Cline and wife, after a season with the Walter L. Main Show, joined Lew Morris' Motorized Show with a snake show.
Fred Salmon, clown, closes with Campbell Bros. Circus in Barnegat, N. J., and joined the Franta Concert Co. Salmon is doing blackface and eccentric comedy, introducing his musical act and other specialties.
Harry Liniger writes that he left the Rhoda Royal Circus and expects to winter in Steubenville, O. Liniger Bros. will be out next spring with their own vaudeville and picture show under canvas.
Elmer C. Myers and wife visited the Billboard last Thursday, on their way to Sparta, Ky. Mr. Myers had his "Zula" pit show with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus this season. He is now framing his new Jungleland wonder show, a pit show attraction. He will have for his show a military band organ, which will also be used in parade.
C. A. Zech, owner and manager of the side show with the Great Keystone Show, writes that the show is playing the oyster and fish country in Virginia to good business. It is planned to keep the show running all of November. After the close Zech will spend a few weeks in Boston, where he has made his home for the past six years, and then open in vaudeville, assisted by his dog, Hope.
His friends in the circus business will be shocked to learn of the death of T. H. (Heath) Cowan in Kansas City, Mo., October 17. Mr. Cowan was in the circus business for a number of years, his last work being with the Forepaugh-Sells Shows. Of late years he has been associated with the Van Noy-Interstate Co. as office agent at Kansas City. He had been in poor health for quite a while. His funeral was held under the auspices of the Masonic Blue Lodge.
Earl V. Blank, driver with the Howe's Great London Shows this season and formerly with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, died suddenly October 18 at the age of 27.
B. H. Johnson, 33, in the outdoor show business for the past 15 years, having been with John Robinson's Circus, Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows and others, died at Clarksdale, Miss., October 21. His widow survives. Funeral services were held at his late residence at Palmetto, Ga., October 23, with interment in Floral Hill Cemetery.
Jack Leonard, oldtime trouper, for the past five years in the employ of the Selig Picture Corporation, died in Los Angeles, recently. He had been with the old Buffalo Bill Show, the 101 Ranch Wild West and Foley & Burk Shows. He was born in England. He had no relatives as far as can be learned.
Frank Lemen, the senior member of the Lemen Brothers' Shows, died at 7 o'clock, Monday, October 24, after a short illnes. Kansas City was the home of his shows. For many years the show wintered at Dodson and Argentine. Frank Lemen, born at Marion, Ill., 74 years ago, was believed to be Missouri's oldest pioneer in the circus business, having been associated with the sawdust ring for 55 years. He was manager of the circus which he owned jointly with his two brothers, Frost B. and Colvin Lemen. Frost Lemen died January 30, 1920. Colvin Lemen resides at Springfield, Mo. The circus was originally known as the Lemen Brothers' Shows, which title, in 1904, was changed to Pan-American Shows. The brothers sold the circus in 1909 to a Sioux City (Ia.) realty firm. The funeral was held at the undertaking establishment of Mrs. Forster, 918 Brooklyn avenue, Kansas City, October 27, at 10:30 a.m.
Gordon J. Milks, architect of Buffalo, N. Y., and Bessie Hall, of the Ringling-Barnum Circus, were married at Dunkirk, N. Y., last August, it became known a few days ago.
Billboard, November 12, 1921, pp. 66, 67, 68, 102. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
After a season of thirty-two weeks, the tour of the Wheeler Bros. Shows will be brought to a close at El Reno, Ok., November 15. Fifteen States and practically all of Canada were covered. No serious accidents have been encountered, and only one day was lost on the entire season. There has been only one change in the dressing room roster since the opening day. Spacious and convenient winter quarters have been secured at El Reno, where the show will be enlarged and improved for its 1922 tour. - Bob Cook (press representative)
Memphis, Tenn., Nov. 4. The Great Sanger Show's paraphernalia has been placed in large buildings here. The cars are parked nearby. Capt. Pete Loftus is breaking a lion act for the second annual indoor circus at Bry's Department Store. Frenchie Miller, late of the Mighty Haag Show, is getting the menage horses and ponies in shape for the indoor event. Howard King recently visited the Christy Bros. Circus and the Rhoda Royal Show and said that while neither show was turning the people away, business was good considering the conditions of the country. - Richard Weaver
Frank T. Kelly writes that he will winter with the Patterson Wild Animal Circus at Paola, Kan.
Ed Raymond, clown with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, is negotiating to present his act at a number of indoor events this winter.
Alson Baldwin, Louise Winter, A. Parker and P. Willis (the Ballyhoo Quartet) sailed from New York October 8 for Havana, Cuba, to fill a six weeks' contract with the Santos & Artigas Circus.
The Lucas Shows, under management of B. W. Lucas, are now in winter quarters on West Lane avenue, Columbus, O., four blocks from the State University. Lucas has a pony, horse and mule exchange barn there and is also operating a riding academy.
Glenn (Bones) Hartzell, left the Al G. Barnes Circus May 10 and joined Stetson's "Tom" show, May 12. "Bones" lost his "shimmying" rooster at Dayton, O.
Prince Elmer writes that Dude Wilkinson and Irish Withrow have joined the Tom Atkinson Dog, Pony and Monkey Show with five concessions. Ray O'Wesney, formerly with the Walter L. Main Circus, has received a baboon weighing 150 pounds. Ray is training it to do a riding act. Elmer says his side show is doing good business. Mrs. Atkinson recently received her "home on wheels," which has every convenience.
Elizabeth (Mother) Corning, of Elgin, Ill. wishes to thank all showfolk for the courtesies shown to her and F. P. (Daddy) Corning this season. Mr. Corning is 85 years of age and has been paralyzed for the past five years. He was one of the old Leo Bros., trapeze artists.
A visitor to the home offices of The Billboard last Wednesday was Raymond B. Dean, press representative of the Sparks Circus, on his way to his sister's home near Cleveland, O. Dean informed us that Sparks had a good season in the Northern States, but that the Southern tour was somewhat off. The closing date was October 31 at Dothan, Ala., and the show again went into winter quarters at Central City Park, Macon, Ga.
Val Vino, for nine seasons lecturer and announcer in the side show for Lew Graham on Ringling Bros. Circus, was connected the past summer with the Patterson & Kline Carnival as talker on the Society Circus. Val will be located in Oklahoma for the winter, his address at present being Bartlesville. He is selling automobile accessories and electrical supplies.
L. J. Moss (Louie), of the Hagenbeck-Wallace big show band for the past two seasons, and wife are spending the winter at Amherst, Wis., where they are playing dance engagements with Perk's Harmony Five.
Horace Webb, former trouper, is now in business at Fulton, N. Y. Says Mr. Webb: "For twenty-three years I was producing clown and comedy gymnast with the larger circuses. I invented the one-man revolving ladder, the comedy airship that was pulled up to the top of the canvas, exploding, and I doing a fifty foot dive to arena below. I also invented the big cannon that shot the dummy out 100 feet. Was with the Ringling Show seasons 1904, 1905, 1913 and 1914. In 1914 I received the largest salary the Ringlings ever paid a single clown up to that time. In 1917 I had a five-girl troupe with the Sells-Floto Show, in addition to my clown productions. In 1918 I bought my brother's wholesale market garden business, and although I like circus business best, I am doing so much better here, financially, that I expect never to return to the show business. Shows with which I was connected were: 1896-'97-'98, Sig. Sautelle's Wagon show; 1899, Walter L. Main; 1900-'01, B. E. Wallace; 1902-'03, John Robinson; 1904-'05, Ringling Bros.; 1906, Carl Hagenbeck; 1907, Cole Bros.; 1908, Norris & Rowe; 1909, Barnum & Bailey; 1910, John Robinson; 1911-'12, Sells-Floto; 1913-'14, Ringling Bros.; 1915, Sells-Floto; 1916, Barnum & Bailey; 1917, Sells-Floto; winter of 1900, to Cuba, Pubilliones; winter of 1904, with Ed Shipp's Winter Circus; winter of 1909, framed an act with my wife and played the Interstate Time winters of 1910 and 1911, Rhoda Royal Winter Circus."
Lindeman Bros. Circus finished its second season at Waldo, Wis., and is in quarters at Sheboygan, Wis., Billy Lindeman reports. The show covered 1,800 miles in twenty-one weeks, all in Wisconsin. The show will be enlarged for next season and additional dogs, ponies and cat animals added. Ten trucks will be used in transporting the show. Billy, Pete, Al and Carl Lindeman are busy overhauling and repainting the trucks and working on new animal acts for next season.
Dolly Crosby, wife of the late Dr. O. M. Crosby, died October 28 at her home in Exposition Park, Pa. She was 71 years old. Mrs. Crosby was known as the Caucasian Queeen and snake enchantress. In former years Mr. and Mrs. Crosby trouped with various circuses, including John Robinson's, Van Amburg's and other. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery, Harmonsburg, Pa.
George Washington Smith, 70, father of Mrs. Ed Myhre, of Myhre's Great Eastern Motor Shows, died at North English, Ia., October 3. Funeral services were held at the North English Christian Church, October 5, with internment in North English Cemetery.
Edward T. Boyce, of Omaha, Neb., for many years with the advance departments of various large circuses, during the past season with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, as assistant local contractor and lithographer, and Mrs. Rosa E. Sandy, formerly for several years assistant manager of Riverside Park, Indianapolis, Ind., were married November 6, at the home of the bride, 1025 W. 35th street, Indianapolis.
Billboard, November 19, 1921, pp. 66, 67, 68, 69, 102. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Chas. LaBird, manager of LaBird & Davene Tent Show, furnishes information concerning F. M. Tillman, who died at Hayti, Mo., October 25. "Mr. Tillman was a baritone player. For a number of years he was connected with M. L. Clark & Son Circus. After leaving this show he joined the Milt Tolbert No. 2 show and at the close of the Tolbert show last July, he joined the Rose Kilian show (now in Mississippi). I presume it was the Rose Kilian show that he had just left to visit his home folks. The following, I believe, can give all the information regarding Mr. Tillman's relations and address of his correct home: M. L. Clark & Son Circus, Shreveport, La.; Mr. Hale, care of Milt Tolbert Show, Dothan, Ala.; Rose Kilian Show, care Hatch Printing Company, Nashville, Tenn."
Charles B. Paul, singing and talking clown, has just closed his third season with Myhre's Great Eastern Circus.
Charles C. Clark, legal adjuster and who handled the concessions on the Wheeler Bros. Show, has been re-engaged for next season.
Harry Martel, former steward of the Rhoda Royal Circus, well-known circus man, has joined Huntington's Minstrels as general agent.
Dick Wayne Barlow says he closed with the Al G. Barnes Circus near Chicago and drove over the Yellowstone trail with his truck, making five State fairs with his show.
Showmen visiting Forest City, Ark., will find Bert Mallory, formerly treasurer of the Gentry Bros. Show. He conducts an automobile business there.
Mrs. Hessie H. Crane (Mother Howard), late wardrobe mistress of the Al G. Barnes Circus, will go to the Sells-Floto winter quarters, Denver, to design costumes for next season.
The Aerial Whitties closed a season of thirty-two weeks with the Wheeler Bros. Shows at El Reno, Ok., November 14. They will enter vaudeville for the winter season.
Col. Phil DeCoupe and wife are at home in Harrodsburg, Ky. The Colonel and wife were with Sol's United Shows (carnival) the past season.
Jack LeVere closed a season of thirty-two weeks as manager of the annex with Wheeler Bros. Shows on November 14.
In Osceola, Ark., lives an ex-showman who has made good in the legal profession. He is Chas. E. Sullinger, who in the old days was legal adjuster of the J. H. LaPearl Circus.
One of the great shows in the early seventies was Charlie Noyes, his trick ponies and baby clown. The baby clown is Mollie Bailey's oldest son, who has for years been manager of the Bailey shows.
Capt. Ricardo (animal trainer) and wife, late of the Al G. Barnes Circus, are leaving for the Sells-Floto winter quarters, Denver, Col., to break animal acts for the coming season. Mrs. Ricardo will work leopards.
William and Eunice DeMott, equestrians, closed a season with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus at Little Rock, Ark. The DeMotts will be missed from the sawdust circle next season, as they will play fair and celebration dates.
W. S. (Doc) Filley, general agent of LaMont Bros. Show this season, informed us that his eighteen wagon show played for twenty-five weeks through Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, covering 2,068 miles. Business was good and only four matinees were lost. The LaMont Show is again in winter quarters at Salem, Ill. Filley will again pilot the show season of 1922.
T. J. Bagley's Dog and Pony Show, which toured Ohio and Michigan, recently closed in Detroit, where the show is making its headquarters. With the show was Ed Leon, known as Professor Leon, and his troupe of dogs. Leon is now playing vaudeville. Bagley, who is a ventriloquist, is also playing the variety theaters.
Emmett Splash, now at East Liverpool, O., writes that he expects to be back in the white top field in clown alley next season after having been out of the game for six years. Splash lost his wife and little girl three weeks apart last March, but will be back in the business with his boy and girl.
Jimmy O'Connell and N. C. (Cush) Cushenberry, formerly of the Sells-Floto Circus, and now located in the restaurant business in Oklahoma City, renewed old acquaintances when the Al G. Barnes Circus showed there recently. Mrs. O'Connle (Alyne Potter), formerly of the Wortham Shows, also visited many friends with the show.
Kanerva, Leonhart and "Little Bit" closed an engagement of thirty-two weeks with the Wheeler Bros. Circus at El Reno, Ok., November 14. After a brief rest at Mr. Leonhart's home in Warren, Pa., the team of Kanerva and Leonhart will play vaudeville for the winter months. Miss Daisy (Little Bit) will spend the winter at her home.
Following the close of the Ringling-Barnum Circus, Jennie Zerado went to St. Paul, Minn., getting ready for hospital treatment. Frank Zerado is visiting his folks in Spokane, Wash., after an eight years' absence. The Zerados will play at the Shriners' Circus in Detroit, Mich., February 2 for a two weeks' engagement. They will again be with the Ringling-Barnum Circus next season.
Cole Bros. Shows, under management of E. H. Jones, will close the season at Honea Path, S. C., November 23.
Havre de Grace, Md., Nov. 12. The new thirty-car show to be put out next spring by Andrew Downie will retain the same name as last season, but the word circus will be used in all the billing and on all the cars and wagons in place of shows. Painters were busy the past few days filling in the panels and letter boards on the dens and cages with the words "Walter L. Main Circus." Work has been progressing at the quarters and five wagons are now ready for the second coat of varnish. The mammoth new band wagon has been inspected and pronounced a beautiful piece of work. It is in reality a big tableaux wagon, with seats on top for 16 men. The sides and front are rich in carving and allegorical designs and in the center on each side is a golden lyre. All of the scrolls are gold-leafed and the name of the show is in letters of gold. The gear is a bright yellow with gold sunbursts in the wheels and the striping is in red and blue. The color background on the wagon is a light green. William Emery, elephant trainer, will arrive at quarters next week to break the bulls in a new act, and a noted animal trainer has been contracted to break several new animal acts. A big male mountain lion was shipped to quarters last week from Indiana and has already been broken to ride a horse.
A marriage of interest to circus and musical comedy people recently made public was that of Austin C. King and Vera Earle, of the Al G. Barnes Trained Wild Animal Circus, which was solemnized on September 15, but held in secret by Mr. and Mrs. King until they closed with the Barnes Show at El Paso, Tex. Austin King is a versatile clown, having been with numerous "big top" organizations, also in musical comedy stock. Miss Earle had been with the Barnes Circus for the past eight seasons as prima donna, and is also well known in musical comedy.
Frank P. Meister's Band, which has been with the Wheeler Bros. shows during the season just closed, included the following, nearly all of whom opened and closed with the show: Frank P. Meister, director; Ed M. Bressler and Fred Sheetz, cornets; W. A. Adams and E. E. Fowler, clarinets; N. Leland, horn; H. H. Schell and Ben Bernard, trombone; L. B. Moyer, baritone; Wm. Thorp, bass; Wm. Aylard and Joe Dempsey, drums. The Wheeler show gave no street parade this season, so it was up to the band to give concerts that would bring the crowds back to the lot for the free outside acts each day. The season extended over a period of thirty-two weeks. Fifteen States and nearly all of Canada were covered.
Canton, O., Nov. 11. Charles Siegrist has leased the Meyers Lake Park Theater, and has installed his equipment. Rehearsals have been started for next season and some new numbers are to be done when the aerial act reopens next March. The Siegrists have winter work ahead, including indoor circuses and fairs.
The season of the Al G. Barnes Circus will be brought to a close at Paso Robles, Cal., November 19. The show will then go into its permanent winter quarters, Barnes Circus City, Palma, Cal.
Wm. C. Lewis, who used to be the understander for the famous Melrose troupe of acrobats, is now out of the business and is in partnership with T. J. Lannon in the automobile equipment game at Worcester, Mass.
For years Archie Dunlap had the bulls with Martin Downs, including "Chief," which died with the Downie show. Archie is located at Jamestown, N. Y., where he is a motorman on the Jamestown & Salamanca line. Mrs. Dunlap, nee Coleman, is a trained nurse with one of the hospitals in Jamestown.
Mrs. George V. Connor, wife of George V. Connor, side show manager, died at Chillicothe, O., November 5. She has traveled with her husband for many years.
William Lehman, 23, acrobat with the Rhoda Royal Circus, died at a hospital in Memphis, Tenn., November 6 of injuries received several weeks previous to his demise, when he fell while practicing a new stunt.
Billboard, November 26, 1921, pp. 66, 67, 68, 69, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Havre de Grace, Md., Nov. 18. "Governor" Downie announced that the full and complete title of the new thirty-car circus would be "Walter L. Main Circus and Andrew Downie's Trained Wild Animal Shows Combined." George "Pop" Coy left on November 14 for Baltimore with the big top and twelve lengths of reserved seats and will remain there while the top is used for the big rodeo that John Agee is putting on for the folks attending the conference at Washington. A. Roberto arrived at the quarters this week with his trained animal show, dogs and ponies, and he will be busy breaking stock and training the new "cats" till spring. Harry Wilson is also a late arrival with his animals. Harry will have the side show next season and will spend much of his time in Havre de Grace this winter. Two big animal acts already broken have been purchased by the "Governor" and a big steel arena ordered from a Pittsburg firm, to be delivered immediately. Another service truck has been ordered and the one used last season is being overhauled in the company's shops at Baltimore. Three dens and a new water wagon are being loaded on the cars and will be shipped to the quarters from Newark in a few days. The ponies have been brought from the farm and are being schooled in a new routine and the elephants also have been taught new tricks. There will be three big animal acts working in the steel arena, and a troupe of seals on the stage.
Los Angeles, Nov. 18. A suit was filed November 9 in Superior Court against Al G. Barnes, of the Al G. Barnes Circus, asking for an accounting and restitution of funds. The affairs of the circus will be heard to determine whether or not Mr. Barnes misappropriated funds placed in excess of $210,000. The complaint, filed in behalf of A. L. Sands, a stockholder in the Al G. Barnes Amusement Company, which controls the circus, recited that Stonehouse, or Barnes, as he is known, owns 2,440 shared out of 2,500 outstanding shares of the corporation. Completely dominating the affairs of the corporation and controlling the board of directors, it is alleged that Mr. Barnes used part of the funds of the corporations to pay obligations arising out of the divorce proceedings with his former wife, Dollie Barnes-Stonehouse.
Late arrivals on the Mighty Haag Show are Mr. and Mrs. Harry Demarlo and Roy Barrett from the Ringling-Barnum Show. Earl Moss, bandmaster of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shwo, joined the show November 7 to take the band. He brought two musicians with him, and has a band of twelve pieces. George and Georgie, in a trampoline act, are being well received, as is DeMarlo with his balancing act. There are six clowns with the show. The writer has put on a new walk-around, called "The Bowelweevil" run-around. Business for the Haag show in North and South Carolina was good, and in Georgia fair. After a few more stands in the latter State, the show will go into Florida, playing the East Coast and then back. It is reported that the show will stay out until the first week in February, and then winter in Jacksonville, Fla. - Roy Barrett (on the show)
Jack Phillips will again direct the band with the Sparks show in 1922.
The F. Allen & Son Wagon Show, under management of Nick Marcell, is now in quarters at Shreveport, La. It is a 15-wagon and two truck show.
Paul Brachard says that after thirty years as a contortionist he has retired from the profession, and will be engaged in horticultural and truck gardening at New Port Richey, Fla.
Robert Woody informs us that he has purchased a home in Joplin, Mo. (opposite the circus lot entrance) and extends a welcome to all troupers who may visit that city.
Bandmaster Henry Kern (and wife) closed a season with Gentry Bros. Show at Groesbeck, Tex., November 12, and will winter at their home in Petersburg, Ill.
Cliff Schaufele, Lew Graham's assistant with the Ringling-Barnum Circus, is located at Wm. Fox's Academy of Music, New York, as assistant manager.
Sam Freed writes that he received a postcard from Otto (Dutch) Hoffman from Germany. Freed and Hoffman trouped together on the LaTena Circus, seasons 1916, 1917 and 1918. Sam says he will put out a dramatic show under canvas next summer.
Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Smith, who were with the John Robinson Circus, will shortly open their Metropolitan Minstrel Show in Indianapolis.
The Riding DeMotts (Eunice and William) write that they closed a season with the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus and are housed for the winter at Woodbrook, Md. Their acts will be seen at parks and fairs next season.
Walter Wellington was with the Howe show this season, clowning, playing in the band and working in the garland entry. He was going to his home in Lansing, Mich.
Olga Griffin, who was with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus this season, is at home in Anoka, Minn. for the winter.
At Los Gatos, Cal., November 5, Archie M. (Jake) Brauer, with Palmer Bros. Circus, was thrown under a five-ton loaded truck. His right leg was broken below and above the knee.
H. W. Wingert had the Howard Girls (iron jaw act) on the Howe Show this season, and also had the inside reserved tickets in the big show. Wingert and the Howard Girls will play a number of indoor circus engagements this winter. They will be back on the Howe Show again next year.
Mrs. Bessie Duford, who was in an automobile wreck in Needles, Cal, which resulted in the death of her husband, writes that she is out of the Anglas Hospital, Los Angeles, Cal., and doing nicely. Mrs. Duford is an old circus rider and was formerly with the Al G. Barnes Circus. She was at one time the wife of Virgil Barnett, who was killed in the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus wreck at South Bend, Ind., in 1916.
Frank Lemen, of the Lemen Brothers, announced he would hold an auction of the Lemen Brothers' remaining stock at 10:30 Friday morning, November 18, but at the time this is being written we haven't had the details.
Franklin Bros. Motorized Circus is now in the cotton belt of Southwestern Oklahoma, where business with the show is good. The Franklin Circus has seven specially built motor trucks, painted and decorated by Chas. Parker, who is now the general agent, with S. F. Hewitt as brigade manager. The advance is also using enclosed cars. The people live at hotels and feed on the lot. The management at present is carrying about thirty people, which includes a ten piece band, the member of which are: Dick Loyd, John Peterson, John Souberg, George Bruck, "Dinty" Moore, Ed Walton, Harry Hugo, Hjaimar, H. Johnson, Fred Plumleigh and John Orderly. Mrs. Doris Hugo officiates at the calliope. Harry Hugo and Frank Gretencord are on the managerial job, the latter as general superintendent. Mrs. Gretencord is the treasurer, and Bert Chipman makes all the announcements.
Among the acts in the show are the Hanson Family, Roman rings, hand balancing, iron jaw, featuring Little Theo, also furnishing magic, sword cabinet and Hawaiian steel guitar in concert; LaRose and Getz, revolving ladder and double trapeze; Leo LaRose, producing clown; Adeline Getz, swinging ladder; Ed Walton, swinging slack wire, and the "Juggling Jew." S. B. Russell has the canvas with five assistants; Bill Nickerson, the props; Neil Blaylock, lights; Hank LaRose mechanic on trucks; E. O. LaRose in charge of the culinary department, with "Snowball" as assistant. On November 26 the show plays at Devol, Ok., where Mr. Parker has arranged with the Trades Day Celebration Committee to furnish the amusement features. After this date the show will probably go into Texas. The management expects to stay out all winter in the South. Many in the circus business will remember the writer as having been connected with the Lemen Bros., Sells & Downs, Cole Bros., Circle D. Ranch, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Gollmar Bros. and many other shows. Have also been in the theatrical and picture games. - Bert Chipman (side show manager)
Ray O'Wesney, equestrian director, has gone to St. Louis on business in the interest of the Atkinson Dog and Pony Show, and Frank Jennings is now acting as director. Shorty Gilbert has joined as producing clown, as Prince Elmer is now devoting all his time to the side show,e tc. Frank Jennings has completed a grease joint. Nassar Dean has the novelties. Prince Elmer advises showmen not to play Cairo, Ga. He says the people are against shows down there, and that Cairo was a bloomer for them. H. E. Henard, sign artist from Detroit, has arrived and is working on the wagons.
The Old Dominion Show, owned by E. Keller Iseminger, closed a season of twenty-five weeks at Dumfries, Va. Business was fairly good, falling off about twenty-five per cent from last season. The show is stored for the winter at Funkstown, Md., and work has already started for the coming season. The show will be the same size next season as before the war.
William Owen, colored, an employee of the Al G. Barnes Circus, was shot and killed on the circus train near San Bernardino, Cal., November 12.
John H. Schneider, veteran actor and circus man, died November 18 at his home in Flushing, L. I., of heart trouble. The deceased, at one time, was well known and popular on the vaudeville stage. He was 78 years old.
Billboard, December 3, 1921, p. 67. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Jack Wilson is at his home, Point Breeze, Kent, N. Y., for the winter.
Word come from Richards Bros. Shows that business is good in Georgia and that the show will be out all winter.
Lorenz Barth will clown in the Nazir Grotto Indoor Circus, Canton, O., week of January 23.
W. E. Baney, who has been connected with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus for the past two seasons, is at home in Lock Haven, Pa., for the winter.
Mike Fagen, on the advance car of the Sparks Circus this season, is at home in Shelbyville, Ill. He had charge of the paper.
C. W. (Red) Sells, who closed with the Ringling-Barnum show, is now traveling for a tobacco concern. Says he will be on the John Robinson Circus next season.
E. Deacon Albright closed his sixteenth season as calliope player on Gentry Bros. Show. He had charge of the advertising banner privileges since September 1. Albright will return to Houston, Tex.
Col. Oden [Uden?] writes that he has closed his season and is back home in Flanagan, Ill. Uden has an animal show, which includes ponies, mules, sheep and goats. He has the opera house at Flanagan, which is now showing pictures.
Robert T. Richards' Animal Show played fairs and celebrations for ten weeks the past season to fairly good business. The show will be enlarged, travel on auto trucks and play small town two-day stands in 1922. A number of animal acts will be broken this winter at winter quarters, Medford, Wis.
Frank (Rube) Shipman and Alva (Shorty) Evans, the long and short of the clowning contingent of Howe's Great London Circus, after 33 weeks, closed with the show at Opelika, Ala., and went to Atlanta, Ga., where they will rest for a few weeks before taking up vaudeville dates.
Frank Loving, of the Gentry Show, and Harry Mick, of the Sparks Circus, who have been in Cincinnati since the closing of these shows, left for Panama City, Fla. They will spend the winter in Florida hunting and fishing. Mrs. Loving, visiting her folks near Philadelphis, will join them in a few weeks.
Jennie (Tiny) Zerado, of Les Zerados, writes that she is convalescing at the home of her mother at St. Paul, Minn. She underwent an operation at Bethesda Hospital, St. Paul. Les Zerados will play indoor dates starting the first of the year, after which they will be found on the Ringling-Barnum Shows.
Harold Reyno writes that he and May Moore have left Mayo Bros. Hospital in Rochester, Minn., but that Edna Moore will be obliged to remain there for several months. Referring to the accident at Peoria, Ill., in which all three were injured, Reyno says that the auto in which they were riding did not collide with a street car. The auto was ten feet away from the track when the car, going at a high rate of speed, jumped the track while making a turn and hit the automobile. The Peoria Street Car Co. made a settlement without going to court. Reyno and May Moore opened last week at the Harris Theater, Pittsburg. The trio will be with the Sparks Circus next season.
R. A. (Blacky) Williams has closed as general agent of the Lucky Bill Overland Show and is now located in Ada, Ok., as manager of the Regal Cafe. Williams says that the show had a good season, playing through Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, losing but three stands. The Lucky Bill and Honest Bill shows are wintering in Ada on the fair grounds, where there is plenty of room for stock and equipment. Honest Bill (Bill Newton) has men at work in overhauling and painting the paraphernalia and will open the season of 1922 during the month of March.
H. R. Brison informs us that business with the Great Keystone Show in North Carolina is good and that the show will remain on the road until the snow flies. Whaleyville, Va., will be the winter quarters instead of Handsome, Va., as heretofore. Manager Sam Dock will add a Wild West to the show next season.
The stork visited Rue and Laura Enos at Orange, Cal., November 19, and left a 6 1/2 pound girl. The Enoses, who were with the Sells-Floto Circus the past season, have settled down in Orange, engaging in the fruit and vegetable business in partnership with Penny Parker, a former circus performer. It looks as if they will not troupe any more.
Some of the people of Houston, Tex., evidently were somewhat "up in the air" when the Sells-Floto Circus recently played there, judging from the following which appeared in The Houston Press: "To Sells-Floto Circus: You paid three and one-half cents for soda and sold it for fifteen cents; you charged twenty-five cents for cushions; sold us peanuts for fifteen cents a bag so we could feed them the your elephants - and then gave us a very ordinary show."
The Macon (Ga.) Telegraph, issue dated November 20, published a lengthy interview of Estrella Nelson, one of the Nelson Family, with the John Robinson Circus the past season. In the story Miss Nelson tells of life in the sawdust ring, and out of it. Estrella, age 15 years, executes 35 backward revolutions, or hand springs, on an elevated pedestal. The Nelson Family has been with the John Robinson Circus for eight years, and is the fourth generation of the original Nelson Family of acrobats.
Billboard, December 17, 1921, pp. 66, 67, 68, 69, 102. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Barnes Show. The season ended at Paso del Robles, Cal., November 20, and the show arrived November 21 at Mr. Barnes' new winter home, Palms, Cal. During the summer months, while the show was en tour, carpenters, plumbers and workers were preparing the new home of the Barnes Circus. Five hundred acres have been turned into a complete city. A ring barn, carpenter shops, paint shops, bunk houses, animal houses, training arenas, stables of all sort, have been completed. One of the finest and fertile ranches in Southern Califorina of 300 acres has been purchased for the baggage stock, while every convenient comfort is given to the wild animals. A new seal den of rocks and water from the ocean has been erected in as natural a state as possible. The hippopotamus has a special house and can enjoy a daily dive of fifteen feet. Surrounding the entire Barnes' estated is five miles of high-wire fence. In front of the animal houses is a forty-foot hig, by 150 long, pictorial entrance. It is Mr. Barnes' intention to make Barnes Circus City one of the most attractive spots in California, and will be formally opened to the public very soon.
Murray Pennock and "Bill" Peck are busy and plans are being made for next season. Mabel Stark will have a new tiger act next year. Six new tigers were purchased and will be added to her group. Martha Florine will be featured with a big picture company playing child of the jungle and will introduce thirty lions. A serial will be made starting at once. With the purchase of "Tusco," the largest elephant now before the public, Cheerful Gardner at once added this monster to his group. This big beast is so large that a new car was ordered, as it was impossible to load the animal in an ordinary elephant car. . . . Bobby Kane and wife will again have the side shows next season. Bill Erickson, manager of car No. 1, is official guide around the ranch. Captain Ricardo will work in pictures till the season starts. Alfred Wolfe is passing out Havanas, the reason, Mrs. Wolfe presented him with a baby girl. Mrs. Wolfe is professionally known as Ruth Cohn. Captain Stonehouse, who for years trained all the seals with Barnes' Circus, has charge of Mr. Barnes' ranch, and while the show was en tour farmed the entire estate, raising enough alfalfa, grain, hay and vegetables to supply the winter needs. His wife, Theresa Stonehouse, was also a member of the Barnes Circus for years. Contracts have been let for twelve more flat cars, also fifteen stock cars. With the purchase of the Universal Film Company's wild animals, Mr. Barnes is compelled to increase his show to the extent for the above number of cars purchased. - Rex de Rosselli
Franklin Bros. Shows. The management of this motorized show, consisting of ten motor cars and trucks, demonstrated that it is practical to conduct such a venture successfully. Opening eight weeks ago at Chester, Neb., it has not missed a stand and has traveled some of the worst roads in Oklahoma, entering Texas on November 28. The company now has thirty-two people, which includes a ten piece band. The show is under the management of Harry Hugo and Frank Gretencord. Charles Parker closed at Loveland, Ok., November 21, going to Paola, Kan., where he will take charge of the decorating of the shows controlled by James Patterson. S. F. Hewitt is now directing the advance. The Hanson Family closed at Devol, Ok., November 26, to play vaudeville. Eddie Walton, slack wire artist and juggler, has gone to his home on account of illness. Their places have been filled by Schepp's Society Circus, consisting of dogs, ponies and monkeys. This act has been with Wortham's World's Best Shows for the past three seasons. Otto Hodgini joined following the closing of the Sells-Floto Circus. He is clowning all the acts. - Bert Chipman (side show manager)
After a season of thirty-four weeks the Great Keystone Wagon Show brought its season to a close at St. Brides, Va., December 2. Nearly everyone who opened with the show in April remained with it until the finish. The working crew, in charge of Ed Davinson, took the show into winter quarters at Whaleyville, Va. John Plymier went to York, Pa. Curvin Zech, who had the side show, sold his outfit to James Macklin, who will put out a moving picture and vaudeville show. Mr. Zech has formed a partnership with Mr. Lombardo, of the Belmont Show, and will take out a show. It is undecided whether it will be a circus or a "Tom" show. Zech is going to his home in Boston. James Diefback went to his home in Burlington, W. Va. He will take out a medicine show this winter. Manager Sam Dock left for Newport News, Va., with his dogs and ponies, where he plays a two weeks' engagement in a department store. Harry Adams has gone to Zanesville, O. Mr. Adams has been re-engaged for next season to do his two acts in the big show. The writere, who was with this show for the past six seasons, will not be connected with it next season. He is going to his home in Reading, Pa., to take it easy for awhile. Mr. Dock expects to have new people on the show next season and play the same territory as this season. He will add a Wild West concert. - H. R. Brison
Walter L. Main Circus. Havre de Grace, Md., Dec. 8. While in Chicago last week, Andrew Downie purchased and shipped to winter quarters here the prize winning team of six roans that were on exhibition at the International Horse Show. With the team came the handsome harness and trappings. Their purchase represents an outlay of $5,000. They will be used on the new green and gold band wagon, forming a spectacular lead to an imposing parade. Another shipment of lions also reached the quarters today, and Capt. Blondin, wife and daughter arrived from Chicago. The Captain is located on Burbon street and his daughter is attending the graded school here. He will start work at once breaking the lions and other cat animals. A. Roberti is meeting with success and has his acts working with a mid-summer precision. He has also proved himself a clever artist with the brush. George Coy last week turned four new cages out of the woodworking shop and the new ticket wagon is ready for the painters. Gold leaf is being used on all the parage wagons, and as no two are painted alike the result will be a riot of glitter and color. All of the wardrobe for the parade will be new this season from special designs from a Cincinnati costumer. Mrs. Andrew Downie, Mrs. Sallie Hughes-Walker and Mrs. George Coy are also busy with new gowns for the ladies in the parade. Added to the equipment already assembled, four more dens and a water wagon came in today. As now planned, there will be sixteen cages and dens in the parade exclusive of the three band wagons and two calliopes. Harry Wilson, who will act as Mr. Downie's agent in securing animal acts for the circus, left New York last Thursday for Havana, Cuba, where he will take over the two elephants from Santos & Artigas and ship them to the winter quarters. The elephants were formerly owned by Frank A. Robbins. For several years they worked in vaudeville and were sold to the Cuban show on the death of Frank A.
Harry Gage & Co., acrobats, are at their home in Vermontville, Mich.
Warren Lewis is now an automobile auctioneer in Ypsilanti, Mich.
The title Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Congress of Riders will be annexed to the Sells-Floto Circus next season.
Ed Raymond, clown, is in Cleveland, O., visiting his folks. Raymond says that he had a nice season with Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, and will play indoor dates this winter.
Tom Sanger, who was injured some time ago in an auto wreck, is again in good health. He is making a hit with his clowning at Eaten's store in Toronto, Can.
Joe Kelly, the Transcontinental Trouper, writes that he has closed with the Rhoda Royal Show as head porter and expects to be with a larger circus next season in the capacity of trainmaster.
After closing with Gentry Bros. Shows at Groesbeck, Tex., Ed C. Brown is now located in Herington, Kan., for the winter. He will again be connected with the Gentry show next season.
Jerry D. Marin, aerialist and contortionist, closed a season with the Sells-Floto Circus. Martin played at the Indoor Circus, Wichita, Kan., week of December 5, following which he and his wife will go to New York. He says he has signed with the Ringling-Barnum Show for next season.
Art Eldridge, of dog and pony fame, who has been with all the big ones, and who recently closed his own show, will put on an indoor circus at the Victoria Theater, Wilmington, N. C., Christmas week, with Burt Burtino. They have eight weeks of engagements following Wilmington, says Burtion.
Roy Barrett, now with the Might Haag Show, writes that he has been re-engaged with the Ringling-Barnum Show, in clown alley for next season, his fifth under the Ringling banner. Barrett says that he has put on another number with the Haag Show and that Mickey O'Brien has two new walkarounds. The show will be in Miami, Fla., for the week of December 25.
Wm. Koplin, clown, and his wife, in charge of the ballet, with the Sells-Floto Circus the past season, have returned to their home in Cincinnati for the winter. Koplin and James Walters will play Cincinnati and vicinity with their clown and "frog" act. Koplin and his wife will again be with the Sells-Floto Show season 1922.
G. W. Christie, agent for the Great Keystone Show, closed a season of thirty-two weeks at Moyack, N. C., November 26, and went to his home at Victoria, Va., to spend a few weeks with his family.
According to William B. Maxwell, Warren Lewis, auctioneer and showman of Ypsilanti, Mich., is the same Warren Lewis who as a boy brought out Warren Lewis' University Minstrels. Next he appeared with Warren Lewis' horse show, selling it while en route in Maryland to a party named Lewis who took it to Europe. Lewis represented the controlling interest in the Warren Lewis-Frank L. Pipe one-ring circus, which was sold after a year's tour. His next venture was Lewis' railroad show and big ring circus. Later he was connected with his wife, Elizabeth Hampston (now deceased), in Hampton's Great Empire Shows. During the war he put on Lewis' Miniature One-ring Circus in the interest of the Red Cross and Patriotic League.
The Mighty Haag Show played a two-day stand in St. Augustine, Fla., where business was fair in the afternoon and good at night. The show is headed toward Miami on the east coast and will double back on the west coast. Program of the show: Garland entree, clowns; DeMarlo and wife, double act; Miss Drew, menage; clowns, Three Moralis Girls, iron jaw; Geo and Geo, revolving ladder, and Mickey O'Brien, trapeze; clowns, head slide, Felix Moralis [Morales?]; Geo and Geo, trampoline act; Miss Drew, juggling act; DeMarlo, frog act; dogs and monkey, Mrs. Fern, swinging ladder; Moralis Troupe, bar act; trick horses, clowns, perch act by Mickey O'Brien, mule hurdle, elephants. - Roy Barrett (on the show)
Orwell, O., Dec. 9. Carl L. Clark, whose dog and pony show is well known in the outdoor show world, advises that his stock is now quartered on a farm six miles from here. Clark is keeping his stock in shape, and will play indoor circuses and bazaars, he says. For some time Clark kept his stock at Painesville, O., at the fair grounds. He plans to re-open his tent show again in the spring, offering an up-to-date dog and pony circus.
Harry Bell, in business at Louisville, Ky., died at his home, 1770 Melwood avenue, Louisville, December 9. The deceased was a horse dealer and sold these animals to numerous circuses, John Robinson's in particular. He handled the ring stock for Robert Stickney, premier equestrian, for one season. He was 56 years old and is survived by his widow, a daughter and three brothers. Burial was in Cincinnati, December 10, from the chapel of Busse & Borgmann with interment in Wesleyan Cemetery. Mr. Bell was known in Cincinnati, having been a member of the firm of Dustin & Bell, animal stock dealers, for about 20 years.
Lew Elliott, 67, known as "Old Honesty," died in the American Hospital, Chicago, Friday, December 9, of Bright's disease. In his earlier years Mr. Elliott was an actor and of late years had been an advance agent with a number of different shows, including the Seven Carnes Bros. Dramatic Company and LaMont Bros. Circus. His last work was filling a minor part in "Lightin'," Frank Bacon's play at the Blackstone Theater, he and Bacon having been lifelong friends. Mr. Elliott was a member of the Elks, Knights of Pythias and the Showmen's League of America. The funeral was held from Huren's Chapel, 18th and Michigan, interment following in the Showmen's League Rest. Little is known of Mr. Elliot's relatives by friends in Chicago.
John Emanuel (Johnny) Johnson, trick bicyclist, whom a few years back few professionals of the circus and vaudeville worlds were better known, a member of the team of Campbell and Johnson, died at Craig, Col., November 16. Mr. Johnson was born June 10, 1880, in Malmo, Sweden. He came to America early in the 20th century. He became a trick cyclist, and introduced many thrilling variations to this line of business. With his partner he played in various circuses, the team being one of the feature acts with the Floto Shows in 1905. In '06 the team went over the Orpheum Circuit with the Orpheum Road Show, followed by a three years' tour of Europe. While playing at Budapest, Hungary, he met and married Ferika Whitman, non-professional, and returned to America late in 1909. It was then discovered that Mr. Johnson had contracted tuberculosis from injuries received in the strenuous act. (The springing of his partner upon Johnson's shoulders while on a unicycle, the impact of the man's knees against his shoulders affecting the lungs.) Realizing the need of retiring from public life and seeking a healthful climate, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson went to Wyoming, where they were successful in several business ventures. The funeral was from the little Episcopal Church in Craig, with interment at Dixon, Wyoming. Besides his widow, who contemplates a return to her native land, Mr. Johnson leaves two sisters in Sweden, a sister and brother, Laura and Charles, of Green River, and a brother, Fred Johnson, now a business man of Dixon, Wyo., but formerly a well-known carnival man and high diver.
Mrs. James A. Schneck died suddenly in her apartment in San Antonio, Tex., December 7, of apoplexy. Mrs. Schneck will be rememberd by circus people as May Labar. She trouped with such shows as the Smith Show, Campbell Bros. Circus and Sells-Floto Circus. For the past four years she had been with the C. A. Wortham shows. She leaves her husbanc, a member of the last named organization; a sister, Mrs. H. W. Butler, a former Worthamite; her mother and three brothers, non-professional people. The funeral will be held December 13 from the Porter Loring Funeral Parlors, San Antonio, and the remains will be interred in the Mission Burial Park, in the Masonic plot.
With the passing of John A. Barton, the circus world has lost one of its oldest, most popular and best known members. Mr. Barton passed away at his home, 746 Park avenue, Hot Springs, Ark., December 10. He first became associated that that branch of amusement as early (if not earlier) as 1876. In 1876 he was with the Adam Forepaugh Circus, when the Forepaugh show traveled overland. Later he was interested with John Forepaugh in the operation of a theater in Philadelphia. For many years he was with the Frank A. Robbins Circus. Mr. Barton is said to have been the originator of the privilege car, putting it on with the Robbins Show. His last venture was with the Barnum & Bailey Circus and Wild West Show. His partner was Harry Bailey. During the season of 1920 he was with the Johnny J. Jones Exposition Shows, but failing health prevented his going out during the season of 1921. His widow, who survives, will operate his business in Hot Springs, where he had made large investments in real estate. He was moderately wealthy. Besides his widow, he leaves two brothers and three sisters.
Billboard, December 24, 1921, pp. 66, 67, 104. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Wm. Newton Jr. (Honest Bill) has purchased the rights, title and interest in the Lucky Bill Shows and has it in winter quarters, Ada, Ok., with the Honest Bill Shows. He will enlarge both shows and have the two nearly alike in character, featuring dogs, ponies and trained animals. Last year, says Mr. Newton, was one of the best seasons in the history of the two shows. The territory has been nearly completed for the itinerary of the two shows, he says.
New Orleans, Dec. 17. Beginning next Monday the Rhoda Royal Circus will play a weeks' engagement here under the auspices of the Loyal Order of Moose. At the conclusion of the engagement the show will go into winter quarters in this city.
Richards & Son's Motorized Shows closed a successful season at Centerpoint, Tex., November 20 and are in winter quarters on the Richard Bros.' ranch at Pipe Creek, Tex. Mr. and Mrs. F. Richards and Savoi LaStarr have gone to Kansas City to buy new show property. The LaStarr Sisters (Nell and Dollie) are in winter quarters rehearsing a novelty iron jaw act. The show will again take the road early next March.
Park B. Prentiss has signed with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus next season to furnish a twenty-four piece, all-union American concert band. He willb be at West Palm Beach, Fla., with Bachman's Million-Dollar band until March 18.
Chicago, Dec. 13. Lorette and Joe Lewis, famous clowns, are at least temporarily reunited. They will team at the Toyland Circus, in the Coliseum, December 14-24.
Jack Hill announces that he will open about April 15, 1922, with a five-car one-ring circus, using his own title, Hill Bros. Circus. He will build a new show and establish winter quarters in Erie, Pa., where operations will begin after the first of the year.
Howard Barre, who had the elephant banners with the Main show last season, will be back again in the spring and in addition will publish a program for daily distribution. He is at his home in Philadelphia.
Ab Johnson, clown, is expected to join the Haag Show at an early date, having closed with the M. L. Clark Show, which goes into quarters.
Fred Cosgrove and wife, known as Cosgrove and O'Brien, producing clowns, write that they had a pleasant season with the John Robinson Circus, with which they are re-engaged for next season. They are now on their farm in Cloverdale, Ind.
The James Family closed their third season with Christy Bros. Shows, and are now in Beaumont, where they will spend the remainder of the winter. They have been re-engaged with the Christy show for next season.
Fred P. (Dad) Corning, veteran circus and carnival man, died at Elgin, Ill., December 12, at the age of 84 years. He had been in a paralyzed condition for the past five years. During his long career, Mr. Corning was connected with many amusement enterprises as a performer as well as manager. He was one of P. T. Barnum's oldest trapeze performers many years ago. He was with the John Robinson Circus, seasons 1902-'03. His last engagement was at Forest Park, Chicago, in 1916, where he managed one of the concessions. Mr. Corning was a charter member of the Jolly Corks, No. 1, B. P. O. E., New York. The funeral was held December 15, Rev. Dr. Adams, of the Universalist Church officiating. Burial was at Bluff City Cemetery, near Elgin. Mr. Corning was born in Corning, N. Y., June 17, 1837. In 1890 he married Elizabeth Heath, a trained nurse, in Chicago. He had been an Elgin resident for 23 years. The Billboard representative at Elgin visited the Corning home and found "Mother" Corning ill, almost helpless. She will need funds to defray the funeral expenses of her late husband.
Billboard, December 31, 1921, pp. 64, 65, 66, 67. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Palmer Bros. Animal Circus. San Francisco, Dec. 23. Following negotiations that have been pending here for nearly two months, announcement has been made on Tuesday of the completion of a deal that results in the transfer to M. E. Golden and M. B. Runkle of Palmer Bros. Wild Animal Circus, now in winter quarters at the Old United States Army Remount Station at Palo Alto, just south of this city. Because of the involved nature of the transaction necessiating the settlement of numerous claims against the show, details of the pending purchase have been shrouded in secrecy and it was not until the final dollar paid off that Messrs. Golden and Runkle were willing to announce their acquisition December 20. The circus, with all its paraphernalia, including cars, wagons, tops, animals and miscellaneous properties, passed into the hands of the new owners. Work was immediately commenced in the winter quarters preparatory to fitting out for the coming season, a trained crew of oldtime circus folk which has been held in readiness for weeks, being turned loose on the job. In announcing the purchase of the circus, Mr. Golden and Mr. Runkle stated positively that none of the old personnel of Palmer Bros. would be connected with it. "New blood and an entirely new policy will mark our advent into the circus world," Mr. Golden declared. "We intend to put out a show that will be a credit to the show world and we are as rapidly as possible surrounding ourselves with real oldtime showfolk who know their business and are troupers in every sense of the word. As yet we have not selected a title for the show, but this will be announced at an early date, together with other important announcement relative to the show and its new policies."
Formerly a ten-car organization, the circus under its new management will go on the road next spring with fifteen cars. The old cars are being throughly overhauled and re-equipped under the supervision of Mr. Babcock, well-known car and wagon builder, and the construction of the five new cars will commence immediately. More animals and more animal acts are to be added to the show. Red McKay, oldtime elephant trainer, has been signed to take charge of the menagerie. Charlie Fulton has begun breaking the ring stock. W. Wilson will handle the lions, and Egypt Thompson will have charge of the trained animals. Joe Lloyd will be boss hostler. Mr. Golden stated that the show and its equipment would be in charge of Mr. Runkle for several weeks after the first of the year while he makes a trip East to arrange for paper and other matters pertaining to the new organization. Both Mr. Golden and Mr. Runkle are well known in the show world, the former having been associated with the Sells-Floto and other big circus organizations for many years. Mr. Runkle also has had a wide circus experience and latterly has been associated with Mr. Golden in the Allied War Trophy Exhibition on tour throughout the United States. Red Fowler, late of the Al G. Barnes Circus, with which he managed the "kid" show, will have charge of all side show attractions on the new circus.
The Great Keystone Show arrived in winter quarters, Whaleyville, Va., December 8, after traveling 2,045 miles overland. The quarters are the finest that manager Sam Dock has had in many years. He has three large barns in the center of town. One is a livery stable, in which he has forty head of stock; another is a large ring barn, where the training of new animal acts is now going on, while the third is used for all the wagons, also as a repair and paint shop. A number of new wagons are now being built. The writer will have a new outfit for the coming season, with a 40x60 side show, and new features. - C. A. Zeck
Havre de Grace, Md., Dec. 24. Contracts have been signed by Andrew Downie and the representatives of the big indoor circus to be held at Philadelphia the middle of next month by the P. O. S. of A., for the appearance there of his elephants, and all of his animal acts, including ponies, monkeys and dogs. It is planned to put out daily parades, and the steam calliope will also be sent to Philadelphia. The various circus acts for the even will be furnished by Charles L. Sasse, the New York agent. The latest arrivals at the quarters are Charles "Pop" Sweeney and wife. The former will be the show's equestrian director. The announcement last week that the Main Circus has purchased the Robbins bulls was premature. The deal had been consummated and a cash deposit placed with the owners, when at the last moment as Harry Wilson was preparing to start for Cuba, a cablegram reached here stating that the deal was off. A shipment of 28 fine grey horses reached the quarters this week from Chicago and are now turned out at the farm. The new truck was run up from Baltimore and will be fitted here with a body to carry the arena on the road. In the big steel arena are being worked daily three groups of lions by Leon Blondin, and Capt. Roberti has two pony acts, a monkey act, riding dogs and three bears going through their paces in the ring barn. The five menage horses are coming on well and the riding puma is going to prove a sensation. - Fletcher Smith
Russell Bros. Shows, which was not on the road this past season, will be out the coming season under the name of Russell's Virginia Show, managed by R. L. Russell. The show will have new tents and wagons and sixty-six head of baggage stock. Mr. Russell will carry twenty people, a small band, a side show and a few concessions. An auto truck will be used for the advance.
Nick Pettit, formerly of the Ringling-Barnum Show, is connected with the Altman Sign Company.
Orville Speer, chandelier man with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus the past season, is located in Newton, Ia., for the winter.
Tom Powell, of the R. L. Atterbury Animal Show is spending the winter in Virginia. He will be back in Clontarf, Minn., to start the season with the Atterbury Show in March.
After an absence of several years form the white top field, Bobby Fay writes that he has been engaged by Andrew Downie for the season of 1922. He will be in clown alley on the Walter L. Main Circus.
Albert Sigsbee writes that he has signed as general agent with Lindeman Bros. Motor Circus for the 1922 season. He visited the winter quarters of this show at Sheboygan, Wis., and found everyone hard at work. Twelve trucks will be used to transport the show. The program is made up of circus acts and performing dogs, ponies and monkeys. The brothers will also have a band and an air calliope.
Wesley LaPearl, after closing with Veal Bros. (carnival) Shows in Florida, joined the Rhoda Royal Circus for a few weeks.
In publishing the death notice of Harry V. F. Conlon, brother of A. S. Conlon, in our issue dated November 12, it was mentioned that he died in Lousiville, November 4. A. S. Conlon informs that it occurred on October 28 at burial was on October 30.
Owen Lewis, following the close of the Cole Bros. Shows, is spending the holidays at his home in Somerset, Ky.
Dave Carroll writes that he is putting in the winter at his home in Malden, Mass., after a season as local contractor with the Sparks Circus.
The last word from Jimmie Heron is that he has become so attached to his bird store in Springfield that he has decided to remain in charge at least till early spring. Then, as usual, he will be back in the wagon with the Main Show.
Chicago, Dec. 22. Fred C. Gollmar was a visitor in the Chicago office of The Billboard today and announced that Gollmar Bros. plans for the completionof a twenty-five car circus are moving along rapidly, and that the circus will open with the new season. Winter quarters are in Baraboo, Wis.
1922
Billboard, January 7, 1922, pp. 66, 67, 68, 98. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
George Wagner, better known in the show world as Jolly Jenaro, clown juggler and wire artist, is at home in Milwaukee, Wis., after a season of fairs and vaudeville dates through the Northwest. He will again take to the road sometime in January, playing in vaudeville until the opening of the white top season.
Houston, Tex., Dec. 30. At the winter quarters of Gentry Bros. Shows are Dike Ellis, superintendent; M. G. Smith, blacksmith; Hy Lucier, animal manager; Maxie O'Neill, light and harness boss. Chas. Rederick announces that he will be in charge of the band the coming season. Sixty ponies and thirty head of baggage stock are being pastured twenty-two miles south of Houston on the bay front. George Jennier, Teom Hebiter, Clarke Bond, Jack Ryan, Chas. Cooper, Herb Graves and Hy M. Gard are registered at the Woods Hotel, while Wink Weaver and Chas. Redrick are temporarily staying in the sleeping coaches. Wink Weaver left with J. D. Newman for Dallas to put on the Joyland Indoor Circus at the New Majestic Theater Christmas week.
Chicago, Dec. 31. A new circus to travel by wagon is being organized and outfitted by W. R. Tothill, of Chicago, who informs The Billboard that the new organization will take to the country roads at the proper time with the opening of the coming season. Mr. Tothill said that Dan Curtis, veteran horse trainer with the Ringling interests, will be associated in the ownership of the wagon show, also another well-known circus man whose identity is for the present being witheld. Mr. Tothill has not yet made public the details of the wagon show's size or policy, other than that it will be a regular circus.
Prof. A. L. Morrell (the Jack Knife King) has written The Billboard from Venice, Cal., saying that he will go with the side show of the Al G. Barnes Circus next season, and that Mrs. Morrell will be in the wardrobe department of the same circus.
Herberta (Slats) Beeson, the dainty dancer on the wire, was one of the feature acts with Convey's Circus in Chicago.
Alyne and Jimmie O'Connell spent the holidays in Sidney, O., with Mr. O'Connell's folks.
Ed and Josie Simpson have located in Syracuse, N. Y., operating a restaurant. It is not likely that they will troupe this season.
It is reliably reported to The Billboard that Lupeta Perea, the once famous aerialist, is now married and residing in Chicago.
Bobby Fay, circus clown, for many years with the John Robinson and Sig Sautelle Circuses, is clerking at the Windsor Hotel, St. Paul, Minn.
Clyde Mallory and his wife, Violet Mallory, are playing vaudeville dates. After an absence of three years from the circus field, Mallory says he will open in New York next spring ahead of the Ringling-Barnum Show.
The Charles Siegrist Troupe, since closing with the Ringling-Barnum Circus October 18, has been busy at Myers Lake Theater, Canton, O., rehearsing a flying return act, to play indoor circuses.
Tom Atkinson's Dog, Pony and Monkey Show gave a free performance to orphan children at the Orphan HOme at Dowling Park, Fla., Christmas eve. Mr. Atkinson's show has been the only one that has played Dowling Park in five years. The park is owned by the Standard Lumber Corporation, and Mr. Atkinson has the privilege of playing all of the corporation's plants throughout Florida. Business with the show has been fair. Eddie Henard, sign artist, has all the decorating done on the wagons. Mrs. Atkinson is breaking a menage horse. Mrs. Prince Elmer spent Christmas with her folks in Galesburg, Ill. Ray O'Wesney, equestrian director, has resigned and returned to his home in St. Louis, Mo. - Prince Elmer (on the show)
Frank W. Blasser, 55, better known to the circus and museum world as "Frank, the Broom King," also "Frank, the Yankee Whittler," died at his home in Lawrence, Mass., December 18, of cancer of the liver. He made his first public appearance September 9, 1879, and had one of the oldest acts in America. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. May Blasser.
Renee Jenelle, 37, acrobat and former team mate of James O'Neill, of Carlyle, Ill., the latter owner of the trained animal exhibition bearing his name, died suddenly at Central Falls, R. I., two weeks ago. The team was known as O'Neill and Jenelle. They appeared in vaudeville andin circus performances and were reputed in their day to have been two of the best acrobats in the country. The deceased was one of the De Bolean Brothers when Felix De Bolean had the act on the Mighty Haag Railroad Shows. With O'Neill he had been featured on the Sparks Circus. He had been with Mr. O'Neill's animal show for the past several season until about three monhts ago. He was unmarried. Several brothers and sisters survive.
Nicholas Norton, well known for many years as a circus manager (also a former juggler), and for years afterwards one of the best known vaudeville managers, died December 26 in the city hospital at St. Petersburg, Fla. He suffered from a complication of diseases (resulting from Spanish influenza) and bronchial pneumonia, from which he recovered, but which left him in a weakened condition, and as a result acute bronchitis developed, and was the immediate cause of his death. He was 78 years old. Mr. Norton was born as Nicholas Grist on January 29, 1845, in Bavaria, Germany. He emigrated to America at the age of about six years with his father, who was one of the adherents of the celebrated Carl Schurz, and who was practically driven from Bavaria, by the Prussians, because of his political affiliations. Mr. Norton won early renown as a juggler, being classed as the greatest in his day. His rise in the amusement world was rapid. After a successful career with circuses, he became a vaudeville manager. For years he was identified with the United Booking Offices in New York City. His wife was Tillie Antonio, noted in her generation as an actress and singer. The funeral took place in Mt. Clemens December 31. Mrs. Tillie Grist Hull, daughter of the deceased, accompanied the body from St. Petersburg to Mt. Clemens.
Billboard, January 14, 1922, pp. 64, 65, 98. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Salem, Ill., Jan. 6. Everything is progressing nicely at the quarters of LaMont Bros. Shows. The outfit will be overhauled for next season and several new features added. W. R. Atterbuy will have the privileges and banners. Elmer Porterfield will again manage the side show, his sixteenth season, and Doc Filley will be in advance. The show will open early in May. Frieda, the baby elephant, is appearing in vaudeville. - C. R. LaMont.
Chicago, Jan. 7. John R. Agee will open his big indoor circus in Minneapolis the week of January 30. In all he has four big weeks of such events, all Shrine circuses. Other big contracts will follow Minneapolis. Mr. Agee is now negotiating with a number of big circus acts for these events.
Poole & Boscoe's Canadian Circus will again take to the road after being in winter quarters, Tronto, Can., for two years. It is a fifteen car show with all new canvas, according to Poole & Boscoe. Mr. Kennedy, who will have charge, has returned from England after looking over some acts.
The latest evidence that one who is a circus man once, is a circus man always, is Mike Golden, veteran of the trip of Sells Bros. Circus to Australia thirty years ago, and veteran trouper with other old circuses, who is back in the game. And he comes from the orange groves he planted in California so long ago that his ranch is bearing. Golden was asked by an Eastern friend to look after his interest with Palmer Brothers' Shows when the climax of that career came last fall in California. Mike did. He had to put up money on the spot to protect his friend. Then he put up some more money. And meanwhile the germ of wanderlust was working overtime. Finally the fever broke out. Golden rounded up Milton Runkle, and whispered in his ear. And Milt nodded his head backward and forward. They were fifty-fifty in the deal. The bought the show. Mr. Runkle remained with it in winter quarters at Palo Alto, Cal. Then Mr. Golden took the train to Chicago. He was welcomed with open arms on the Hippodrome Track, and the circus realm on the Rialto is known. He renewed all old acquaintances, started to buy equipment and animals, and he promises to put out one of the best fifteen-car shows on the road. Mr. Golden has been associated with Sells Brothers, the Forepaugh Circus before it combined with Sells Brothers, the old McMahan [McMahon?] Circus, Miles-Orton, John Robinson, the Huntington Circus, and the Montgomery Queen Shows. He was on the Australian trip with Sells Brothers Circus in 1891 when the government shot thirty of the show's horses. He suggested as a substitute for the horses the elephants. The pachyderms hauled the parades. Messrs. Golden and Runkle have not as yet named the new circus, mostly of the wild animal kind.
Beaumont, Tex., Jan. 4. All around the winter quarters of the Christy Bros. Wild Animal Shows have completed their needed rest following the past season of forty and one-half weeks, and things are begining to hum in all departments with preparations for the new season. Chas. Nelson, with a force of mechanics, is overhauling all the baggage wagons and cages in addition to building several new dens and tableau wagons. The cars are being overhauled at the S. P. ships, situated less than a block from the winter quarters. Bert Dennis is in Central Texas purchasing new baggage and ring stock. Several new ponies arrived at winter quarters last wekk and work of breaking new stock is to start immediately. A large shipment of wild animals is due in winter quarters this week, and they will immediately be placed in the big new animal acts. An entire new spread of canvas has been ordered, and the carpenter shop is busy building several additional lenghts of new reserves and blues. Mrs. Cariton and assistants are turning out some wonderful wardrobe to be used in the wild animal spectacle which is to open the show. G. W. Christy is sparing no expense in preparing his organization for the road. - N. McCorkhill (for the show)
New Orleans, Jan. 4. The Rhoda Royal Circus closed its season here Sunday night, January 1. The show is stored away at the Foundation Ship Yards, where work has begun preparatory to the next season's tour, which will open in Montgomery, Ala., April 4. The show toured nineteen States and traveled a distance of more than 17,000 miles.
Horace Laird, clown, last season with the Walter L. Main Circus, has been re-engaged for the coming season, his fourth with that show. Laird is in vaudeville with his ring act.
Albert Gason, veteran clown, has gone to Nashville, Tenn., to visit his brother, a musician. Gaston will again be with the Howe Show this coming season.
E. E. Bonham's Dog and Pony Show is in winter quarters at Prairie du Sac, Wis. Manager Bonham writes that the show will be enlarged and converted into a trained animal circus, opening some time in March. The show will travel on motor trucks and play one-night stands.
Mr. and Mrs. George Reed, leapers, late of the Flying Herberts, entertained Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sullivan, of the Famous Flying Wards, at their home, Grandview Villa, Lake County, Fla., during the holidays. Mrs. Sullivan is a sister of Mr. Reed.
John Hamilton, for fifty years closely associated with the white tents and sawdust arenas, died in Bethesda Hospital, Zanesville, O., December 24. He made his professional debut in 1864, with L. B. Lent's Equesquriculum. His second engagement was with Ham Norman, side show privilege man. He then became an animal man for John Robinson's Circus, but soon returned to Norman's employ as ticket seller and assistant manager. After several minor engagements he became a third owner of the Mayberry, Pullman & Hamilton Shows, which proved a failure. Hamilton lost upwards of $20,000 in this ill-starred venture, a veritable fortune in those days. But he soon established himself on a firm basis in his chosen field. He was at various times connected with W. W. Cole, Walter Main, Sells-Floto, Wallace, Hagenbeck-Wallace and other shows. He was with the Wallace Circus when it was wrecked in Michign and twenty-five bosses were killed. Hamilton greatly distinguished himself for bravery on that occasion. His last season on the road was with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus in 1914. Two children, Frank Hamilton, of Cleveland, and Mrs. E. R. Lott, of Buffalo, N. Y., survive.
John T. Murray, former circus trouper, died at his home in Amery, Wis., December 16, from cancer. The deceased had been with the Walter L. Main Circus, W. P. Hall, dealer in outdoor show properties, and Powers' Hippodrome Elephants. His widow and five children, all living in Amery, survive.
Mrs. Fanny Wallet, mother of William F. Wallet and Mrs. D. C. Laughlin and grandmother of Mrs. Edith Walton, the Riding Costellos and the Wallet Family, died at Henderson, N. C., January 4. She was 79 years old.
Nellie E. Whitney, one of the oldest and best known pioneers in the outdoor show world, died in Jackson, Mich., December 22. "Mother" Whitney, as she was known, was born in Nashua, N. H., in 1835. In 1852 she was married to George L. Whitney, and together they traveled through the East, with Nathan & Sand's and other circuses of the day. A few years later Mrs. Whitney and her husbanc formed the Whitney Family Shows, which they conducted with varying success until 1870. They established their headquarters at Imlay City, Mich., where they fromed one of the largest wagon shows in the country. In 1886 her husband died. She conducted the business for a number of years and then retired.
Billboard, January 21, 1922, pp. 66, 67, 69, 102. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Chicago, Jan. 12. Announcement was made today that the fourth show of the Mugivan-Bowers-Ballard Circus combination this season will be the Gollmar Bros. Circus, with Fred C. Gollmar as general agent and traffic manager. This circus will open its season in Montgomery, Ala., the last of March, or first of April. The Gollmar acquisition fills out the vacancy in the Mugivan-Bowers-Ballard quartet of shows caused by the taking of the Howe's Great London title by Mike Golden. The excellent reputation established by Gollmar Bros. makes the show and title a highly desireable unit for the Mugivan-Bowers-Ballard combination. Fred C. Gollmar is regarded as one of the most capable general agents and railroad contractors.
Chicago, Jan. 12. Mike Golden, who purchased the Palmer Bros. Circus at Palo Alton, Cal., at sheriff's sale last month, has also purchased all of the printing bearing the name of Howe's Great London and Van Amburgs's Trained Wild Animal Shows, of the Riverside Printing Company, also all tickets and other printed forms bearing that title. He will take the circus out this year under the Howe name. It is Mr. Golden's intention to launch a twenty or twenty-five car circus this spring. The show played Pacific Coast territory last season and is widely known over the West and Middle West. It has not been ascertained whether the former owners have any interest with Mr. Golden or not.
Chicago, Jan. 13. Frank A. Cassidy, formerly contracting press agent for the Al G. Barnes Circus, announced he will go with Howe's Great London show this season as general agent. Charles Boulware, formerly of the Barnes Circus, will manage the Howe Show. John C. Flowler, formerly side show manager for Barnes, will be side show manager for the Howe organization. J. C. (Dusty) Rhodes, for four seasons 24-hour man with the Barnes show, is to be contracting agent for the Howe show. Frank Braden, press agent with the Howe show last season, will go to the Barnes show this year in the same capacity.
Kansas City, Jan. 14. Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Bennett are residing in Kansas City. Mrs. Bennett is Maybelle Bennett, formerly of various circuses. Mr. Bennett states that they are returning to the show world after two years off the road in Kansas City. Mr. Bennett will be the manager of the side show of the Great Patterson Shows.
Sheboygan, Wis., Jan. 13. The winter quarters of Lindeman Bros. Circus is busy, where the trucks are being overhauled and repainted. Twelve trucks will transport the show this season. Seven have gone through the paint shop, and they look flashy, trimmed in red, silver and gold. Pete Nelson is the artist. Albert Sigsbee will be the general agent, and Mrs. Sigsbee will be press agent ahead of the show. Billy Lindeman is engaging people for the program and getting out a new line of paper. The following are at the quarters: Capt. Wm. Censh, George Weber, Alvin Pantell, Art Heller, Fred Wolfgram and Lloyd Pierce. A bucking mule arrived last week from Baraboo, Wis. The show will carry a band, Tangley air calliope and a Delco electric light plant. - Art Young (for the show)
Mr. and Mrs. Leo Hamilton will go back with the Sells-Floto organizatoin this spring, Mr. Hamilton having been with that circus for fourteen seasons. Mrs. Hamilton is successfully playing her act in Shubert vaudeville and her husband is assisting her in the act.
Phil King, Wm. (Bill) Taif and Dutch Marco will again be with the Al G. Barnes Circus in clown alley.
Guy Smuck and wife, last season with the Howe Show, are spending the winter in Birmingham. Guy is news agent on the Southern Railroad.
George Mantecon, manager of the Mantecon Mexican Circus, informs that his show closed at San Antonio, Tex., January 8, and is in winter quarters in that city.
Lee Smith, clown and mule hurdle rider, for the past two seasons with the Christy Bros. Shows, is at his home in Newark, N. Y.
Mrs. Prince Elmer (midget), who left the Tom Atkinson Dog & Pony Show, will not rejoin the show until the latter part of this month. She is having some new costumes made in the Windy City.
The Joe Hodgini troupe of equestrians will again be with the John Robinson Circus, their sixth season with that show. "Johnny," a handsome dapple gray horse in the act, once drew a milk wagon in 1919, when "Johnny" was working for a Toledo dairy.
Mrs. Fannie Wallett, who died at Henderson, N. C., January 4, was the mother of William Wallett, the famous rider, and sister of Dave Castello, with whom she made her home for many years. She was from an old circus family and born in England. In her time she was a famous wire walker and was with the leading circuses of this that the old country.
Harry G. James contributes the following items from Ft. Worth, Tex." "Jockey" Day, general agent of the Honest Bill Shows, is manager of the Washington Hotel, headquarters for show people. Among those seen around the lobby is George Pierce, of the Pierce Bros. Circus, signing "kinkers" for the coming season. Mr. Pierce will travel by truck.
An oldtimer who is going to stage a comeback this season is Will Delavoye, of the old team of Delavoye and Fritz, who made a name and fortune with the old Main show and later in vaudeville with their trick house and other acrobatic novelties. "Bill" is still in Chicago and is putting in his spare time in building new walkarounds for the coming season.
When Charlie Ewers was a partner with Sig Sautelle with the famous wagon show, his wife Jennie did the principal riding. Mrs. Ewers is in the best of health and living at Columbus, O. Mrs. Ewers is a sister of Mrs. George Coy.
Mrs. Sallie Hughes-Walker has returned to her new home in New Brunswick, N. J., and hardly thinks that she will be back with the circus this spring.
Eastern circus men will remember Vic Del-Mar, who trouped with all the wagon shows from Prescott's Great Eastern to Scribner & Smith's. Vic writes to ask if any of the bunch remember the day he was doing a tight wire outside the big top for a bally and the stakes pulled. Vic went down through the tent and landed right side up, beside a big lumberman, to his surprise. Vic is now living at North Gray, Me., with his wife and two children, all performers, he asserts, and they are on the road every summer with a vaudeville and picture show.
Jerry D. Martin, aerialist and contortionist, and Josephine Crosswhile (Clark), aerialist and ballet dancer, both with the Sells-Floto Circus the past season, were married recently. They are now in Kansas City, Mo., where they intend to remain until March 1, when they will leave for New York to join the Ringling-Barnum show.
Billboard, January 28, 1922, pp. 64, 65, 66, 67, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Havre de Grace, Jan. 20. By the settlement of an estate Andrew Downie was able to purchase from the heirs this week all of the land adjoining his winter quarters here, which will give him a plot about 600 feet square bounded by the baseball grounds, the electric lighting plant, the Pennsylvania railroad and Bourbon street. Plans are being drawn for a two-story building to be erected facing Bourbon street to be constructed while the show is on the road and ready for occupancy in the fall. The plans call for a building with an office in front where all of the show's business will be conducted in the future, with a smoking and billiard room across the hall. In the rear of the office will be a stock and store room and in the rear a commodious kitchen. On the second floor will be sleeping rooms for the bosses and private rooms for the staff and performers who remain in winter quarters each winter. The building will be electric lighted and steam heated and will be but a few steps from the old quarters. On the land adjoining the railroad a new building, to be used as training quarters for the animals, will be erected. It is planned to have a ring in the center and the animal dens arranged around it so that there will be no unnecessary shifting while acts are being broken. This building will also be steam heated and electric lighted. That portion of the old quarters now used as a dining room and kitchen will be converted into a wardrobe room and the rest of the old building will be used by the painters. The old elephant building with its ring will be retained.
"Governor" Downie, speaking of his decision to make these improvements, stated that it was his intention to have had the work done last summer, but at that time he was unable to purchase the land. As it is almost impossible to secure rooms for his people in the spring, as the races are on here at that time, his new building will make it possible for him to have sleeping accommodations for any folks who may be needed in quarters before the opening date, and it will also make it much more comfortable for the bosses who remain in Havre de Grace each winter. George Coy is proud of the fact that his workshop is now entirely electrically equipped. The latest addition is an electric blower that does away with the necessity of a helper at the forge. The painters are awaiting the arrival of an electric painting machine. Work was begin this week on four new baggage and a new electric light wagon. Java Koen, chief electrician, is busy at present wiring the cars, which will all be electric lighted. The advance car will be fitted with an electric sign and date bulletin, which will attract attention to it while in railroad yards over night. - Fletcher Smith (press agent)
Altoona, Pa., Jan. 8. C. W. Finney, contracting agent, who has been managing Jimmie Hodges' Big Musican Review at the Orpheum Theater this winter, has again signed with the Sells-Floto Circus, his fourth season.
At Paola, Kan., the Patterson Trained Wild Animal Circus is fast nearing completion. The train of twenty steel cars will be the cynosure of all showmen. All the canvas is new, and the size of the big top is equal to the largest carried by any 25 car show. This coupled with the parade equipment and performance will win a place in the hearts of circus fans. The performance will be made up of wild animal acts. Ray Elder [Eider?] will be assistant manager, with Al Clarkson as general agent, and the writer engaged as treasurer and to handle the press back on the show. - Gardner Wilson (press agent)
Christy Bros. Circus. Beaumont, Tex., Jan. 20. G. W. Christy is on a business trip East and North attending to the shipping of new cars and paraphernalia to winter quarters. Four new flats arrived last Monday and additional equipment is expected daily. Five male lions arrived last week and Bert Dennis has added them to the lion act, which now consists of eleven specimens. Headway has also been made on breaking the new eight bear number. Work will start in a few days on a mixed group of leopards and pumas and new sensations will be incorporated in the big animal acts. Jake Freidman arrived last Tuesday. Chas. Parker has arrived from Paola, Kan., to take charge of the paint shop. Gold leaf will be used on all tableau wagons and dens. Work around the quarters is nearing completion and everything will be in readiness before the opening, which will take place during the first week of March. - W. McCorkhill (for the show)
Messrs. Santos and Artigas of the Santos y Artigas Circus, confirm the sale of their lion and Bengal tigers to the Ringling Brothers. They were sold on account of having been in their program for four seasons and were therefore not a novelty any longer. The elephants were sold to the Mugivan, Bowers & Ballard interests. For their next season, opening in November, Santos and Artigas intend to bring some European acts, already booked, and pet animal acts from the States. The show will either play in their own theater, Capitollo, or in Boxing Park Santos y Artigas, which has a seating capacity of 5,000 people. Wild animal acts will probably not again be in the program until 1923. All big circuses in Cuba, say Santos and Artigas, have been prevented from going on the road on account of the low price of sugar.
In a recent issue of The Billboard it was mentioned that Ralph Houser would be equestrian director of the Sparks Circus the coming season. Allen Houser writes that he will be the director with this show. The latter has been connected with the Al G. Barnes show for the past five years.
P. N. Branson, late treasurer of the Rhoda Royal Circus, is at his home in Wichita, Kan.
Fred Coyle, female impersonator, writes that he has been re-engaged with the John Robinson Circus, to do the come-in. Coyle will play the indoor circus at Canton, O.
Lester Owen, formerly with the Sells-Floto Show, and balloonist on the Witt's World's Famous Show, is now in the submarine service of the U. S. Navy, attached to the U. S. S. S-21 at New London, Conn.
Wm. Backall, of Herkimer, N. Y., who has been with C. W. Finney as general advertising agent for the past two years with Jimmie Hodges, will again return to the circus field. He has been engaged as car manager for the John Robinson Circus.
Roy McFall has been in Los Angeles for a few days arranging dates for Wolford's Dog and Monkey Circus, and has secured several dates in the city and suburbs. Everything is going nicely with this attraction, which travels on its own specially built trucks.
H. A. DeGrush, former Hagenbeck-Wallace opposition agent for a great many years, is at present advertising manager for R. M. Harvey's "Perry Daily Chief."
Since closing with the John Robinson Circus last season, Mr. and Mrs. Fred DeMarrs are now at home in Pine Bluff, Ark., where Mr. DeMarrs has a small cotton plantation. They will again be with the Robinson show the coming season.
Oscar Wiley, veteran advance man, who last season handled the advance car and billing of the Rhoda Royal Circus, has again signed with this show.
Ray Dick is spending the winter at his home in Kokomo, Ind., where he will remain until about the middle of February, at which time he will leave for New Orleans, La., to take up his duties as side show manager with the Rhoda Royal Circus. Mr. Dick states that the show will open about the first of March and have a season of thirty-eight or forty weeks.
Montgomery, Ala., Jan. 20. The management of Gollmar Bros. Circus bought three new sleepers from the Pullman Company at Chicago. These cars will make Gollmar's a solid steel train. William Cain is now in quarters, after a few weeks' vacation with his family in Dayton, O., and will have charge of the candy stands. Charles Mugivan, after a few weeks' vacation with his relatives in Terre Haute, Ind., is now on the job a purchasing agent. The ring barn is a hustle and bustle from early morning till last in the afternoon. The show has three rings in which four trainers in charge of Charles Barry, assisted by Frank Kelso, Carlos Correon and John Crosby, are continuously breaking new acts, a few of which are a twenty high school horse ballet, three twelve horse liberty acts, twelve white horse, twelve spotted and twelve chestnut, all thirty-six horses being Arabian thorobreds. The equine department has been made complete and enlarged by the purchase of two cars of additional draft horses, all dapple greys. Eddie Show, boss hostler, has returned from Lancaster, Mo., with this shipment.
The elephants are in charge of Joe Metcalf. The harness repair work is looked after by August (Dutch) Christ adn W. A. Dyke. John Hickey is putting the big top material in shape. J. H. Adkins, treasurer, has been alone in the office for some time. His second man in the wagon, Louis R. Dobson, is visiting his family in Bloomington, Ind. Mr. Adkins has rented a home as near to the quarters as possible and has his wife and little daugher, Helen, with him. The wardrobe department, under the supervision of Mrs. Hickey, assisted by Mrs. Asal [Asai?], Mrs. John Nettleton and six dressmakers, is getting along fine with the wardrobe and uniforms. Jack Asbury has charge of the cook house. He has Ras Barlow, G. Young, Albert Dameron and Adolph Ladawa assisting. The paint shop is in charge of Yellow Burnett, with Joe Smith as his assistant. They have orders to spare no gold or silver leaf on any of the parade wagons. All of which is according to an official of the show.
Edw. A. Woeckener, musical director, will again be connected with the Al G. Barnes Circus in 1922, his tenth season with this show.
Bloomington, Ill., Jan. 19. Eugene and Mary Enos, aerial artists, have gone to Cuba to play vaudeville dates. They will again be with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, their eleventh season with that show. They spent a vacation with home folks here.
Palo Alto, Cal., Jan. 19. Although the equipment that is to be used this season under the title of the Howe's Great London Circus and Van Amburg's Wild Animals has been in their possession only a month, M. E. Golden and M. B. Runkle, the new owners, already have their staff and working forces lined up for the opening of the season. While Mr. Golden and Frank A. Cassidy, his general agent, have been visiting Eastern points on business connected with the new undertaking, Mr. Runkle and Charles Boulware, the manger, have been busy at winter quarters at Palo Alto. New animals purchased by Mr. Golden have arrived as well as the rail equipment needed to enlarge the show. An entire selection of suitable wardrobe for the elaborate spectacle planned to open the performance has arrived from Chicago. Jim Babcock, veteran superintendent of circuses, is in direct charge of the work at quarters and promises to have one of the best parades Coast circus fans have ever seen. Mark Smith, boss canvasman, and Andy Haley, who will have the side show canvas, are working every day. Frank Miller will be the assistant on the big top. Paul Barton, last year in charge of the Al G. Barnes train, has his crew practically complete and the cars in ship-shape. The baggage stock is grazing in the extensive pastures owned by the "Lucky" Baldwin estate. Joe Lloyd will be boss hostler. Charley Fulton has the ring stock going through paces every day, and the high school horse acts will be one of the features of the circus performance. "Babe" Collins, assistant to George Davis on the candy stands with the Al G. Barnes Circus last season, will have charge on the stands for the new show.
John C. (Red) Fowler, who had the Barnes side show last season, is lining up a strong list of attractions. General agent Cassidy is "sitting pretty" so far as his department is concerned. "Dusty" Rhodes, for four years 24-hour man on the Barnes Circus, two years of which were with Cassidy as contracting agent, will do the local contracting. Bert Chipman, with a record of press agent, contractor, 24-hour man and side show manager, will manage the No. 1 advertising car with twelve men. The car will be manned by union men who will be given the Alliance meal allowance. A brigade of six men will be sandwiched in between the car and the show, the manager of which is still to be selected. Karl A. Knudson, last season with Palmer Bros. Shows, will be 24-hour man. Joe Daly will contract the newspapers with James Frank handling the press back with the show. The performance will be given entirely by animals with a musical and spectacular extravaganza running 25 minutes opening the program. "Wild Horse Mike" Braham, and the dozen cowboys and cowgirls who provided the Barnes circus concert last year, will be with the new show this season. - James Frank (press agent with the show)
Clontarf, Minn., Jan. 20. Manager R. L. Atterbury has returned to winter quarters from St. Louis with a trained baboon, purchased from Ray O'Wesney, also some dogs and monkeys which will be added to the already large collection of trained animal acts. Everything will be in first-class condition for the coming season, which W. A. Allen, press agent of the show, believes will be a good one of wagon circuses.
Tom Atkinson's Dog, Pony and Monkey Show did a fair business at Cocoa, Fla., week of January 2. Word has been received from Ray O'Wesney, who resigned his position as equestrian director with the Atkinson, that he has a restaurant in St. Louis. The writer is busy these days with his side show and whipping it in shape for the coming season. Prince Elmer (show representative)
Col. Frank E. Fillis, of Boer War fame, and one of the best known showmen in the far East, died at Bangkok, Siam, November 21, 1921. A widow, who survives, has taken charge of her husband's circus, which concluded a seven weeks' engagement at Bangkok, December 7, and was to move to Saigon, French China.
J. W. Lynch, formerly for twenty-five years associated with circuses and carnivals, and at the time of his death day clerk at the Majestic Hotel, Brooklyn, N. Y., died Christmas Day in Bellevue Hospital, that city.
Lester Orton, 75, about fifty years ago associated with various circuses, died at his home in Adel, Ia., January 8. Surviving are a son and daughter.
Billboard, February 4, 1922, pp. 66, 67, 68, 102. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
There will be a new Wild West and circus on the road this season, the names of the proprietors being kept secret at present. The name of the show will be the Circle Dot Ranch Real Wild West and Circus Combined. The show will take to the road on or about March 4, traveling on trucks and wagons. The management now has five trucks, three touring cars, three wagons, three work teams, ten head of real saddle horses, six bucking horses, five head of longhorn Texas steers, three trick mules, five goats, two menage horses, troupe of performing dogs and ponies. The outfit is now in winter quarters at Hartsville, S. C. Those now at the quarters include Jack Grizzle, who will be equestrian director, assisted by Daisy Grizzle, in the followin acts: rifle shooting, rope spinning, menage horses, dogs and goats. Billy Waggoner will be general agent and handle two concessions. Babe LaBarry, female impersonator, will have the kid and oriental shows. Al Weinberg will have the band with the following assistants: Hank Burkes, Jack Sawyers, George Newsom, Frank Sheppard and T. B. Bishop. Ray Adams will have charge of all the stock, assisted by Toby Gan. Frank ___ will do slack wire, head and hand balancing, Roman rings and a clown number. Albert Paris (the Canadian wonder) will be one of the joeys; Jack Ellis, bucking horse rider; Lillian Ellis, lady rider; Raymond Johnson (the Dusky Demon), steer rider; Calvin Larkins, bucking horse and steer rider; Everett Hunt, in charge of the cook house. C. D. Scott's shows were in Hartsville last week and the cowboys of the Circle Dot Ranch show took a few bucking horses and steers and put on a performance. - Billy Waggoner (show representative)
Patterson Circus Patter. Every day the painters and decorators have been at work on the rolling stock. Gold and silver leaf, the predominating color, is used with a lavishness that will make the train one of the most beautiful. General agent Al Clarkson wins the prize for securing more than his share of these two hues for the eighty foot advertising car. Conveniences probably never before installed on any bill car are part of the equipment. There is a shower bath, fans in every part of the car, and a single berth for every man. All special paper will be used. Paola is a busy spot. There are some 115 employees that Eddie Hart keeps in good humor and well fed. Bert Mayo, equestrian dirctor, is listed among the busy ones breaking new acts. Henry (Apples) Welsh arrived from Iowa with another carload of dapple grey draft horses. Another carload of horses is expected any day. There are three desks in the main office with Mr. Patterson, for Ray Elder, Al Clarkson and two stenographers. The staff includes James Patterson, manager; Ray Elder, assistant manger; Gardner Wilson, treasurer and press back on the show; Al Clarkson, general agent; Duke Mills, manager of side show; Rodney Harris, bandmaster; Chas. Cole, trainmaster; Whitey Lehrter, boss canvasman; Josh Billings, car manager; John Henry Rice, local contractor; George B. Johnson, twenty-four hour man; Earl Hite, checker up, and Eddie Hill, contracting press agent. The advertising car will carry twenty-five men, and there will be two brigades of ten men each. - Gardner Wilson (press agent)
Clontarf, Minn., Jan. 27. The following have signed contracts with the Atterbury Trained Animal Circus for the coming season: Higgins and Higgins, aerialists; Mr. and Mrs. Lee Hinckley, Dick Hennessy, clown; Wm. Loreh [Lorch?], clown; Gus Borger, Harold Andrews, Thomas W. Powell, in charge of outside tickets; Oakey King, in charge of inside tickets; Arthur E. Walsh, privileges. C. F. Tshudy will have charge of the elephant and animals. The show will open April 29. - W. A. Allen (for the show)
Several wagons of the Lincoln Bros. Circus were burned in a fire at Athens, N. Y., January 22. Everett Blanshan, of Kingston, N. Y., writes that he visited the show last fall and was informed by one of the caretakers that the show was going out this season; that Sanford Eddy, of Glenns Falls, N. Y., one of the owners, would make it a two-car show.
In the issue of Billboard dated January 21 it was mentioned that L. B. Greehaw would be with the Rhoda Royal show this season. Mr. Greenhaw informs that this was an error and that he will be contracting agent for the Sparks circus.
Chicago, Jan. 28. John Agee, of Agee's All-Star Circus, accompanied by D. L. Curtis, equestrian director, was a Billboard visitor last Friday. Mr. Agee's organization will open for the Shriners in Minneapolis January 30 with twenty acts. In the list will be Mme. Bedini with her full troupe of Arab horses; the Clarkonians, Clarke and Carriea, performing elephants, Nubian lions, Ali Ben Hassan's Arabs, Lillian Kincaid, Carpenter and Shubert, Kenneth Waite Trio, Lorette the clown, Jack Harris and others. Also there will be a revolving table, mules, bears, Harrison's dog and pony circus, Sir Victor's dogs and ponies and ten clowns. Herbert S. Maddy will be ahead of the circus and Lawrence Warrell will be on the front door. Mr. Agee said there is already a $12,000 advance sale on the Minneapolis stand and that he has eighty electrically lighted billboards covered in that city. Omaha, week of February 6; Milwaukee, week of February 20, and Duluth, week February 27, all Shrine dates, are some of the spots to follow Minneapolis.
Dr. B. N. Hulburd writes that he has just closed with Prof. Trice's High Diving Horses. He took the management of them and opened at Red River Fair to phenomenal business, and all the large cities in the southern part of the Lone Star State. He played at Houston Gulf Amusement Park to 75,000 paid admissions. The act closed at Orange, Tex., December 31, and the divers were shipped to Prof. Tice's training quarters at Sherman, Tex. Hulburd states that he and Prof. Trice had a pleasant engagement and parted the best of friends. Upon his return to Dallas, Hulburd states that he purchased from W. M. Vick the entire equipment of Coleman Bros. Shows, including paper and title, and that it is one of the best equipped two-car shows in the country. The show will be put out this season, says Hulburd.
Owensboro, Ky., Jan. 27. Preparations are going on here at the winter quarters of the Alderfer wagon show. A troupe of dogs is being broken, and a new living wagon and a concession wagon are being built. Paul Jenkins has been engaged for the advance, Admiral P. Dockery for the side show, Harry D. Haynes, concessions, and Ernest Greno. John Hurn will have charge of the stock. The show will be an eight-wagon outfit and will open April 10. All of which is according to manager C. L. Alderfer.
Vancouver, Wash., Jan. 26. Roy Moore and Bert Orcutt were convicted by a jury last Wednesday of robbing the Sells-Floto Circus here September 16 last, obtaining about $30,000, most of which was recovered in a cache, discovery of which led to the men's arrest.
Joe Lessing, midget, will again be with the John Robinson side show.
W. H. Selvage will be the general contracting agent for the Sparks circus.
George B. H. Woodruff, for years a porter on the Ringling show, will be head porter on the Ringling-Barnum circus the coming season.
Fred and Nellie Brad are at their home in Baraboo, Wis. They will be with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
Bobby Gossans, minstrel clown, and his wife have both signed to go with the John Robinson Circus.
Dan McAvoy writes that he is having some novelty clown props built in Chicago and will offer something new and original with the Al G. Barnes show.
Doc Whitham writes that he has signed with the Sells-Floto Circus. Says that Hank Phillips and Happy Ayres are at Oswego, N. Y., getting their dog and pony show ready.
Roy Barrett writes that he will leave Miami, Fla., about February 4 to get ready for the coming season with the Ringling-Barnum Show. Barrett recently had a fall which laid him up for five days.
E. W. Adams, last season on the Al G. Barnes Circus, is holding down a position as clerk at the St. Charles Hotel, West Point, Ga., for the winter, but will be with the Gollmar Bros. Circus the coming season as inside ticket seller.
Ed Brown (Brownie), head porter of the Sells-Floto Circus last season, will leave San Francisco early in February to get the Sells-Floto cars ready for the 1922 season. He will be superintendent of cars and have charge of the Delco lights.
Jack Loving drops a line from Cromanton, Fla., stating that Frank Loving and wife, Harry Mick and himself are there for the winter. Jack liked the place so well that he purchased a home there from Roy Ecker. He says that he will be in Cincinnati in six or eight weeks to make preparations for the coming circus season.
Johnnie Marinella spent a couple of weeks in his old home town, Hudson, N. Y., visiting friends and old acquaintances. Johnnie says the old town looked natural after being away twenty-six years. He is in New York arranging his vaudeville tour. He will again be with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus this coming season.
Albert Sigsbee, who will be general agent of Lindeman Bros. Motor Circus, is at home in Beaver Dam, Wis.
William (Bill) Gilman, late of the white tops, intends to stick to his poster advertising position as head of the Nemaha Valley Poster Advertising Company. Gilman will be remembered as having been with the Cole Bros., LaTena, Jones Bros., Walter Main, Campbell Bros., Forepaugh-Sells, Norris & Rowe, Howe's Great London, Sanger, John Robinson and Gentry Bros. shows.
Frank B. Braden, who will be press agent with the Al G. Barnes Circus this season, is now at Culver City, Cal. Says Braden: "Al G. will have a great troupe, dressed up like the 'Follies,' with 160 foot spread, ring curbs, three steel arenas, etc. featuring the chair stand. The new quarters are a revelation. Murray Pennock and Bill Haines are in San Francisco; Lou Berg is building tents, wagons, etc.; Bill Erickson is mogul of the lot, and Mr. Barnes is with it daily."
Walter L. Main Winter Quarters, Havre de Grace, Md., Jan. 27. With the return of the bunch from the indoor circus at Philadelphia, work was resumed this week. To date 26 wagons have been turned out of the blacksmith and paint shows and are ready for the road. This includes several baggage wagons. Nine more parade wagons remain to go through the hands of the decorators, and then attention will be turned to the advance cars and the train. Another shipment of animals is en route to the show, and the "Gov" is negotiating for the purchase of three elephants. Lions and pumas made up the last consignment. R. N. Jackson has signed as leader of the side show band for the coming season and will also furnish the minstrel show. Tom Aumann, of Chicago, who was formerly with the John Robinson and Sparks shows, has affixed his signature to the dotted line and will furnish the Wild West concert the coming season. . . . The Rowans, bag punchers, who were with the Main show last season, have been re-engaged. - Fletcher Smith (press agent)
Word reaches us from the winter quarters of the Old Dominion Show at Funkstown, Md., that the roster of the show is nearly completed. The training of a troupe of dogs and a pair of black horses under the direction of Frank Mullen, is progressing.
Lee L. Greer, one of the owners of the Campbell Bros. Shows for many years and afterwards owner of his own show, died in a hospital at Sapulpa, Ok., December 30, of Bright's disease, following a brief illness. The deceased was 52 years old and at one time was considered to be one of America's greatest leapers and acrobats. Burial was at Mounds, Ok. Two brothers and two sisters survive.
Madame Marantette, 73 years old, passed away at her home on the Evergreen Stock Farm, near Mendon, Mich., Friday, January 27. Death was due to pneumonia. Madame Marantette made her circus debut in 1878, and for forty-four years, until she reached the age of 70. Her maiden name was Emma Peck. At the age of forty-six she became the wife of Daneil Hunt Harris, who had been her professional manager since her fourth year under the big top. Madame Marantette toured the world twice, and while in London, adopted a young girl of the slums, Florence Harris Mardo, who readily took to circus life and soon rivaled her foster mother as an equestrienne. To match her snow white hair, Madame Marantette used a white costume, horse, poodle and harness. At her bedside when the end came was her foster daughter, late of the Ringling-Barnum Circus, and her husband, a clown with the Ringling Show. In her will Madame directed that Chief Geronimo, her white horse, and the poodle, "Tiny," be killed, and that the poodle be buried in her casket.
Billboard, February 11, 1922, pp. 66, 67, 69, 102. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Canton, O., Feb. 2. A press story that could not be used broke during the engagement of the Nazir Grotto Indoor Circus, when two of the Nelson family of acrobats became ill of the mumps and had to be sent home. Realizing that the absence of the two members would be noticeable and perhaps hurt the show from a patronage standpoint, Rosa Rosalind, wife of Clint V. Meyers, both well known troupers, jumped into the act and helped put it across. Other than the committee no one knew of the substitution. Mrs. Meyers, who has not been in the circus field for three years, performed remarkably for the short time she had to rehearse.
Chicago, Feb. 3. The Sells-Floto Circus this week purchased twenty-one all-steel cars from the Keith Railway Equipment Co. Fourteen of the cars are flats and five are boxes. The cars are to be finished in white enamel. All of the cars are 70 feet in length, with 80,000 pounds capacity each, adn are of the fish-belly type of construction, with solid oak floors. The cars are to be delivered April 1.
Dan M. Spayd has signed with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
Glen C. Grant and Edward Bond, billposters, have signed with the John Robinson Circus.
Joe Wilde, for the last six year on the John Robinson Show, will be found on Gentry Bros. Shows season 1922.
Bee Jung recently visited the Powell Troupe at the Lyric Theater, Cincinnati. She will be with the Sparks Circus this season.
Mrs. Hayden, of the Hayden and LaLonde Company, has recovered from her recent illness. The act will be with the Gollmar Bros. Circus.
Peggy Waddell, last season with the Rhoda Royal Circus, has signed with the Christy Bros. show to work a big lion act. Waddell is at present with a musical comedy production.
Roland Douglas, now heading "Burn 'Em Up Barnes," a road show picture, will be back on the advance of the Sells-Floto Circus, his third season.
Simms and Sonny, who have been playing vaudeville, will present two big clown numbers at the Shriners' Yankee Circus in Detroit, February 6 to 18. They will be seen with the Gollmar show this season.
Fred Leslie, who has been a circus clown for more than forty years, writes that he is doing advance work for the Butler DeMuth Players.
Jockey Day informs us that he is the manager and has an interest in the Washington Hotel, Ft. Worth, Tex., instead of being a night clerk, as mentioned in our January 28 issue. C. B. Neely and Day opened the hotel January 1, making it a troupers' headquarters. Day will again be ahead of the Honest Bill Circus as general agent, his fourth season with that show.
Johnnie Correia left the winter quarters of the Ringling-Barnum Circus, Bridgeport, Conn., to join the John Agee Winter Circus in Minneapolis. Johnnie had been busy at the quarters making arena nets. His wife, who was engaged to superintend the making of all show wardrobe at the quarters, remained in Bridgeport to complete the season's work. Mrs. Correia's mother, Mrs. D. Y. Rutier, arrived in Bridgeport to be with her daughter during Johnnie's absence. Both Mr. and Mrs. Correia will be back with the big show.
Harold Reyno, with the Moore Twins (Edna and May) in vaudeville, writes that this will be the first year since 1908 that he will not be with the white tops. Reyno did the kid clown act and old whistle gag with Sun Bros. Circus from 1908 to 1912. Then he went to Gentry Bros. Show and later back to Sun Bros. (1915 and 1916), doing hand balancing and clowning. He played the Pantages Circuit with the Four Landoras in 1917, and was with the Al G. Barnes Circus in 1918. In 1919 he joined the John Robinson Circus, working for Charles LeRoy with his two pit shows, and was manager of the same pits shows in 1920 on the Robinson Show. Last season he was with Howe's Great London Circus as pit show manager for a while and then closed and joined the Moore Twins in a novelty act. "We are booked over the Keith and Orpheum circuits and have fifteen fairs booked, which will keep me away form the circuses," says Reno. "I bought a new pit show outfit recently, but our fair contracts will prevent me from using it. Edna Moore has joined the act again. May Moore and myself were married in Washington, D. C., two weeks ago."
J. H. Hands sends the following from Boston: "Rumor has it that A. B. Christie, known throughout the circus world as 'Forepaugh Whitie," will return to the white tops this season. Friends and associates remember him in the days of Adam Forepaugh, with which show he trouped for a number of years. Whitie also trouped for a number of years both back and ahead of the old Sells Bros. and Walter L. Main shows. During his absence he has been employed by the Donnelly Advertising Co., as assistant manager. Col. John T. Mack, side showman, who had the kid show on the Lombard-Hathaway Wagon Show, is wintering in Boston. Col. John has again signed with the Ringling-Barnum Show as one of Lew Graham's assistants. Teddy Emery, last season on the opposition brigade of the John Robinson Circus, has been passing the winter here as representative for a picture exchange. Teddy will again be with the John Robinson Show. Joseph L. (Frenchy) Favareau, last season one of the sheet 'em boys on the No. 3 car of the Howe Show, is likely to return to the Howe show this season. Joe Howard, with the Howe Show last season, is employed by the local billposting plant, but will most likely return to one of the Mugivan-Bowers-Ballard shows."
Tom Atkinson's Dog, Pony and Monkey Show is rehearsing new acts and breaking new stock. Mrs. Atkinson is having success with her military ponies. Frank Jackson returned from a week's visit to his home in Champaign, Ill., and resumed his position as chef. The writer, midget clown, is rehearsing some new clown numbers. Pop Atkinson is busy looking after Mrs Atkinson's Arabian spotted horse, "Dixie Dan." The weather has been great the past month and the show has not missed a performance while playing in Florida. - Prince Elmer (show representative)
Marvin Arnold, who orated in front of the Sun Bros. side show for many years, is now back in musical comedy with his brother James. They are managers of the "Northland Beauties."
W. B. Maguinness "side show Mac," who was with the Main show last season, will return to his first love and have the same position on the Sparks show next summer.
New Orleans, Feb. 3. Everything is going nicely at the winter quarters of the Don Carlos Dog, Monkey and Pony Show at the foot of Poland street. New cages have been built and new animals have been added. Don Carlos, owner, says the season will open early in March. He will again spend next winter in New Orleans, playing the suburban houses, as in the past.
C. H. Gilbertson, 50, for many years concession manager with the Sells-Floto Circus, died on his ranch near Ft. Morgan, Col., last week. Mr. Gilbertson was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., but went to Colorado when a young man, making his home at Ft. Morgan. He served one term as mayor of Ft. Morgan. He owned a ranch about 25 miles from his home town, where he specialized in raising pure-bred Hereford cattle. A few years ago he gave up his position with the Sells-Floto Circus and took personal charge of his ranch. He is survived by his widow, a daughter, three sisters and two brothers.
Billboard, February 18, 1922, pp. 66, 67, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Salem, Ill., Feb. 9. Much activity is in evidence at the winter quarters of LaMont Bros. Shows. The entire equipment is being overhauled. Prof. Frank Feagan has been engaged as band director.
Marion, O., Feb. 10. High jumping horses are staging a comeback as popular circus attractions, according to Harry O. Lippincott, local horseman and trainer of thoroghbred jumpers. Lippincott recently received two orders for high jumpers, one form the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and the other from the Sells-Floto Circus. The Hagenbeck order is a repeat order, as Mr. Lippincott sold jumping horses to the same circus last year.
Richards Bros. Shows are now in Alabama doing nice businees. The show has encountered very unfavorable weather since entering the State, but every date has been filled. The entire company gave Manager W. C. Richards much credit for bringing the show through the boll weevil stricken district of Georgia for five weeks without a hitch. The show now has a new advance agent. F. Richards (brother of W. C. Richards) and family are visitors on the show. F. Richards is owner and manager of the Richards & Son Motorized Show, in winter quarters at Richards Bros. Ranch at Pipe Creek, Tex. Richards Bros. Wagon Shows consist of eighteen wagons, five cages, two trucks and two touring cars, sixty head of draft stock, eight head of ring stock. The main performance consists of five aerial acts, three ground numbers, one two-people tight wire act, one menage act, one liberty act, pony drill and two hurdle acts. In the Wild West are Tex Crawford, Jim Carry, Bob Wagoner and Henry Jesus. The show will soon be en route to Texas, the native State of the show, which has not been played for three seasons. The management expects to close early in March for three weeks to repair and enlarge the show and then take up the tour again for ten months through Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming. The show at this date has been out forty-seven weeks without a stop and only five dates have been lost on account of inclement weather. During the forty-seven weeks the show has toured Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Virginia and Georgia. Monroe Mitchell has the band and Capt. Haley is in charge of the side show. - Reagan Daniel (show representative)
Chicago, Feb. 10. Last Sunday's issue of The Herald and Examiner carried pictures and a story of Mme. Zilla, in private life Mrs. Tom Rankine, wife of the secretary of the Showmen's League of America. Mr. and Mrs. Rankine in former years trouped with the Barnum & Bailey Circus for a long period. Mrs. Rankine is now in vaudeville.
Denver, Col., Feb. 9. "Tillie," mother, and "Virginia," baby elephant, were shipped from Calcutta, India, by express to Denver for the Sells-Floto Circus. J. E. Smith, animal man, accompanied them on their entire journey. The baby will be one of the features of the Sells-Floto Circus this season. Its mother will also be with the show. Manager Zack Terrell, of the circus, was on hand to greet the newcomers.
Chicago, Feb. 10. Mr. and Mrs. "Whitey" Lehrter and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Danborn were Billboard callers this week. Mr. Lehrter will have the canvas with Patterson's Trained Wild Animal Circus this season. Mr. Danborn will be on tickets and his wife one of the performers with the same circus. Mr. Lehrter stayed away from the lots for a year, ding which time he was with the manufacturing department of the United States Tent and Awning Company.
Duke LaMae has signed with the Al G. Barnes Circus to play the air calliope, also in the big show band and parade.
Glen Golding writes that he will be on the Hagenbeck-Wallace No. 1 car instead of the No. 1 car of the Ringling-Barnum Show, as previously mentioned.
John F. Fenelon has signed as general agent of Hulburd Bros. Shows and Trained Wild Animal Circus Combined, which will go out of Dallas, Tex., in the near future.
Edwin Schaffer, last season with the Al G. Barnes side show, and his wife, known as "Lady Avon," fat lady, are this winter at their home in Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Joe Baker, formerly of the Ringling, Barnum & Bailey, Sparks and John Robinson advance forces, has left Mankato, Minn., for Los Angeles to join the Al G. Barnes advance.
Prince Elmer, with Tom Atkinson's Dog, Pony and Monkey Show, advises that Mr. Atkinson has purchased two miniature cages to be used especially in the parade, and intends to buy four more.
C. W. (Red) Sells, clown, with the Ringling-Barnum Show last season, will not be with the white tops, having signed contracts with a tobacco company for 1922.
Ollie W. (Buddy) Landon, now a pharmacist in Philadelphia, expects to re-enter the circus field. He was formerly with the old Wyoming Bill Wild West, Cook Bros., Gollmar Bros., Barton & Bailey, and the LaTena shows.
The Two Howard Girls, aerialists, after playing several indoor circus engagement, are now in Detroit at the Shrine Circus, for a two weeks' stay. They will be with the Gollmar Bros. Circus when the season opens.
The DeBarries (Hilda and Billie) will again be with the Sparks Circus in the side show department, their third season with this show. They present a performing cockatoo act worked by Mrs. DeBarrie. Mr. DeBarrie is inside man and presents magic and punch.
George W. Ross says that he expects to leave Vanceboro, Me., March 14 for Montgomery, Ala., to join Gollmar Bros. Circus, and that his daughter and her husbanc, W. F. Mitchell, will accompany him as far as Trenton, N. J., where he will visit his folks for a week.
Ed Raymond, clown, says he will be seen on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus with new props and a la mode clown suits.
J. Wilson Cliffe, featured for four years as trombone soloist with Jack Phillips' band on the Sparks Circus, has signed with Merle Evans as first chair trombone player with the Ringling-Barnum Circus. Pete Sturgis and Russell (Punk) Ewing have also signed with Evans, according to Cliffe.
Abe Goldstein, clown, has a contract with the Sells-Floto Circus for the coming season.
H. R. J. Miller's trained animal circus gave a free performance on the streets during the LaCrosse (Wis.) second annual midwinter carnival January 25-28. It was the first time that Miller's show played as a free attraction on the streets. The Miller Show, which closed a successful season at Hillsboro, Wis., is in winter quarters at Wilton, Wis.
Mrs. Marie Hand has returned to her home in Peru, Ind., after a few weeks' visit with her parents in Albuquerque, N. M. She and her husband will join the Rhoda Royal Circus in New Orleans. Mrs. Hand does a bag punching act and her husband is a ticket seller.
Johnnie Wilson, noted horseback rider years ago, and considered the foremost four-horse rider of the world, died suddenly at the Savoy Hotel, Cincinnati, O., where he had been making his home, early Tuesday morning, February 7. He was 78 years of age. He is believed to be survived by two cousins. Wilson had been feeble in late years, and was recently in a local hospital. His eyesight and especially his hearing had become impaired in late years. Mr. Wilson, whose real name was John F. McDonough, was born in Cincinnati, on Second street, and resided in the Queen City all his life when not on the road. Twenty years ago he was one of the best known men in Cincinnati, being one of the picturesque figures on the Vine street rialto of that day. The name of Wilson was given to him by John Robinson, founder of the circus which still bears his name. It was with the Old John Robinson (Uncle John) Show that he had his first engagement as a pony boy, and it was during this time that he taught himself to ride. He spent most of his show life with this circus. He used to ride menage and also broke horses for the late "Gov" John F. Robinson, as he was considered a great horse trainer. He was also equestrian director with the show. It is believed that Wilson married three times. His first wife was Alice Lake, adopted daughter of Wm. Lanke, whom he married while with Lake's Circus. She is dead and buried in a cemetery in Cincinnati. Funeral services were held at St. Xavier's Churchs February 9, and the body was interred in St. Joseph's cemetery. . . .
Billboard, February 25, 1922, pp. 76, 78, 110, 111. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Jack Warren, formerly a member of the editorial staff of The Cincinnati Enquirer, has been engaged as press agent for the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus by Ed C. Knupp, general agent and traffic manager of this organization. Mr. Warren succeeds the late Frank Wright, who held down this position for the past few years. Mr. Warren will be back with the show, but will be sent ahead when the show plays the larger cities to "bring the show into town." Jack was a protege of "Governor" Robinson and was press agent of the John Robinson Circus under the "Governor's" management. He later was press representative of other large tented organizations. Mr. Warren was last week engaged by John G. Robinson to handle the publicity work for the Shrine Circus to be held at Music Hall, Cincinnati, week of February 27.
In the last issue it was mentioned that W. A. (Billy) Miles would be with the Walter L. Main Circus. Mr. Miles advises this is an error, that the will be with the Gollmar Bros. Circus in the same capacity as he was last year with the Howe Show.
Johnny Wilson, noted four-horse rider years ago, who died in Cincinnati, February 7, left his entire estated, amounting to $3,000, to Robert J. O'Brien, an intimate friend and well known in this city. Mr. O'Brien was named executor. The will was dated November 28, 1919.
Willie Clark and wife, foot jugglers and aerialists, will be with the Cole Bros. Railroad Shows.
Letcher A. Pope is at present at Guilford, Ind., with his folks. He will be with Gollmar Bros. Circus this season.
Billy (Bobby) Johnson, lithographer, has signed with J. C. Donahue on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. Last year Johnson was on the Walter L. Main Show.
F. C. (Slim) Walker who is with the Rhoda Royal Circus in quarters at New Orleans, advises that the following are also there: Chas. Herman, Rube Williams, Fred L. Shaffer and Henry Sterling.
Harry Darling drops a line to the effect that C. L. or Frank Ramsey, at one time with the Forepaugh-Sells Show, is at the Masonic Home in Springfield, O. Ramsey has had a stroke of paralysis, says Darling.
Pat Valdo and his wife and Fred Meers, billed as Valdo, Meers and Valdo, are doing a wire act in vaudeville. The coming season will again find the trio on the Ringling-Barnum Circus.
The Tianita Midgets informed us that they would be on the Sells-Floto Circus side show under management of J. E. (Doc) Ogden.
Max Thorman and partner, Fred Coyle, female impersonators, have been re-engaged to do the come-in with the John Robinson Circus.
Sheboygan, Wis., Feb. 17. Chas. B. Paul is to have full charge of the side show with Lindeman Bros. Circus. He will put on a new illusion, "The Girl That Grows," and will also have Punch and Judy, magic, etc. Those who have signed up recently include Theo. Weber, Alvin Pantell, Norman Ligthart, Art Heller and Capt. Wm. Gensh. Lindeman Bros. have bought another small pony, doing a pickout, from J. E. Bone. Nine of the trucks have gone through the paint shop and look flashy. Credit goes to Pete Nelson, artist. The show will open the first week in May. - Art Young (for the show)
W. E. Morgan's Nickel-Plate Wagon Show will take to the road the last of March or early in April and cover the same territory as in former years - Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina and other Southen States. The big show will have one ring and a stage and the side show will consist of a five-in-one. A new top for the big show has been ordered.
Walter L. Main Circus., Havre de Grace, Md., Feb. 16. Andrew Downie is securing several big feature acts of the Main Circus this season and today signed contracts were received from his biggest and most expensive feature. The contract calls for the appearance with the circus for the entire season of the famous Johannes Josefsson Original Icelandic Glima Company of seven people, which was featured for several seasons with the Ringling show and now headlining over the Orpheum Time. The act will be new to the cities to be played by the Main Circus this season. In addition to the regular act, there will be a second feature in an exhibition of Icelandic dances by the Josefssen girls. "Governor" Downie has decided not to increase the price of admission this season, believing that with the performance he will presesnt and the parade there should be no difficulty in playing to capacity where business is not quite normal.
As usual, Ed Holland will do the 24-hour work. Ed is dividing his time this winter between New York and his home at Haworth, N. J. J. T. Concon, of Indianapolis, will be the new legal adjuster and brings with him an efficient staff of assistants. "Whitie" (Two Gun) Warren will be back again as trainmaster and is expected soon from his home in St. Louis. Ralph Snow has been signed for superintendent of props, his second season with the show. Added features to the big program include Fred's seals and sea lions, five in number; Marguerite and Hanley, acrobats; the Four Mells, revolving aerial stunt, and William Wallett Jr., who is practicing daily at the quarters. To clown alley have been added "Doc" Grant and partner, who will work the track with their specialty on the come-in; "Shorty" Worley, midget clown; Bobbie Fay, and others. - Fletcher Smith
Ross Mikles has signed with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus to handle the candy stands. He will remain in Kokomo the rest of the winter.
Letters from B. L. Wallace and Charlie Crooks state they would not be with the white tops the coming season. Mr. Wallace is associated with a producing company, while Mr. Crooks is associated with the Canada Federation of Railroad Employees and will locate for the present at Halifax, N. S.
Ed Herner has signed with the Great Patterson Circus as steward. He will remain in Kokomo until March 4, then leave for winter quarters at Paola, Kan.
Attractions that have signed with the Rhoda Royal Circus side show: Jack Sampson and wifre Ralph Noble and wife, Bay Hand and wife, C. C. Smith and wife, Wesley LaPearl, Lee Norris, J. B. South and Jim Young.
Clontarf, Minn., Feb. 16. The management of Atterbury's Trained Animal Circus will add a few trucks to enlarge the show for the 1922 season. Arthur Walsh will use a truck in transporting the candy stands. C. H. O'Neil, contracting agent, will use a car ahead of the show. Thomas Powell, superintendent the cook house, will use a truck in getting it on and lot before the show arrives in town. The show is still a wagon outfit and will continue to depend on horses and wagons. Shorty Larch, boss canvasman, has everything in good shape, which also goes for H. A. Bruce with his pit show. The season opening April 29 will be a long one. - W. A. Allen (general agent)
Clark & Shropshire Combined Shows, in quarters at Montgomery, Ala., are planning on an early opening. Mr. Clark has purchased a number of new dogs, ponies and monkeys. The training of the new animals is under the direction of L. J. Sample. G. E. Murphy, who spent the past season with the Howe Show, has charge of the painting, and C. G. Griggs is in charge of all canvas. The cook house at the quarters is handled by Frank Jennings.
Howe's London Circus, Palo Alto, Cal., Feb. 16. Messrs. M. E. Golden, M. B. Runkle and Charles Adams, the new owners of Howe's London Circus and Van Amburg's Animals, are missing no chance to strengthen the organization. The latest investment was the purchase of the entire collection of animals of the Sheesley Carnival. The Sheesley collection includes five male lions, two female lions, four leopards, three pumas and five bears, all trained to work. While in Los Angeles Mr. Golden engaged Jule Jacobs, for several years with the Yankee Robinson Circus. Jacobs will have complete charge of the Howe-Van Amburg menagerie, and will break several new acts. The show will go out as a 20 car organization, three additional flat cars and one stock car having been purchased by Mr. Golden in Los Angeles. Mr. Adams obtained a handsome 70 foot sleeper from the Pullman shops at Richmond, Cal., and it is now in quarters. "Cindrella in Jungleland" has been chosen as the title of the spectacle which will open the performance. It is being arranged under the direction of manager Charles Boulware. Frank Cassidy, general agent, is a daily visitor to quarters. With the aid of Bert Chipman, who will have charge of the advertising, the bill car has been completely remodeled and is ready for the road. Milt Runkle is nursing a broken rib.
J. C. "Dusty" Rhodes, contracting agent, hits the trail this week. "Wild Horse" Mike Brahm has arrived at quarters with 22 head of Wild West and menage stock. Jule Jacobs brought the Sheesley animals through from San Diego in two days, and they are being worked daily in new acts. John R. Fowler is lining up the strongest array of side show attractions and is having special banners made for each act. Paul Barton, who had the train with the Barnes show last year, has a large force of men at work overhauling the cars. Stub Ross is his assistant. Charles Fulton has the menage horses and ponies in opening day shape and Ed Casteel has the dogs, monkeys and goats showing almost human intelligence. The other departments are being capably handled at follows: James Babcock, superintendent of all activities; Mark Smith, in charge of canvas with Frank Millard as his assistant; Andrew Haley, side show canvas; Joe Lloyd, boss hostler; N. W. (Red) McKay, boss animal man; Mrs. Tessie Crane Howrad [Howard?], wardrobe; Harry Houck, head porter. A. W. "Spot" Meyers is about the busiest man in quarters, and his truck makes scores of trips to town every day. More than 100 men and women are employed in winter quarters, and when rehearsals start March 10 this number will be greatly augmented. The opening date has been definitely fixed for March 23. - James Frank (press representative)
Bert Rutherford, general agent of the Howe show last season, is now general agent of Christy Bros. Greater United Wild Animal Shows, having already started with his duties. The Christy show opens at Beaumont, Tex., March 11.
Samuel Solomon, operating head of the newly formed organization and title, Soll's Bros. Circus and Wild West (formerly Soll's Bros. Shows), which is to be launched at Metropolis, Ill., March 25, to play two stands a week the coming season, passed through Cincinnati Sunday, February 19, on his way to Atlanta, Ga., and paid The Billboard a visit. Mr. Solomon stated that the preparations are rapidly being completed for the opening. He went quite into detail regarding his decidedly innovative venture. He also informed that it is his aim to have as many veterans of the circus and carnival lots as possible to make up his personnel. Among those recently contracted were the veteran showman, Col. E. D. Snyder (Tiger Bill), the past four seasons with the Zeidman & Pollie Shows, who will again present Tony, the Alligator Boy, in a niftily arranged platform show, and Col Snyder's son, Leo (Young Tiger Bill), also well known in Wild West and carnival circles, will have the Wild West concert with the big circus, which will be presented under an 80 foot round top, with three 30 foot middles. Another veteran of the circus and carnival to be signed is L. H. Ranft, who will be the equestrian director of the circus. The show, which is also to carry other shows besides the circus, rides and concessions, etc., is to be heavily billed and a publicity feature (with the local merchants) which Mr. Solomon has worked out will doubtless go over strong in greatly increasing both attendance and favor.
"Spot" Pinsonalult writes from Worcester, Mass., that he has signed for next season with the Main Circus, and will operate his concessions as of yore.
Patterson Circus. Manager James Patterson is having a few minor changes on the handsome private car that he brought to winter quarters, Paola, Kan. A small office is being installed at one end. Tommy Gallagher is in charge of the blacksmith shop. This season will mark Eddie Hart's debut in the circus world. He has for a number of years been with Mr. Patterson in the carnival field as steward and will fill that capacity with the circus. Buck Smith is the painter of wagons. Chas. Mack, better known as Syndicate Whitey, James Ward, known as Blackie, and Joe Wrenn have completed the seats. Al Clarkson, general agent, is still making peregrinations to different cities. Wm. Harris, master mechanic, with his crew of thirty men, has kept up his record to have a new wagon turned out each time Mr. Clarkson returns. Recently one of the papers came out with an article as to why Henry (Apples) Welsh, boss hostler, was possessed of so queer a nom de guere as "Apples." It all came out when Henry was discovered at the ramps unloading another car of grays that had arrived for him. He introduced himself to his new charges by giving each of them an apple. Welsh is breaking 8 and 10 horse teams. Bert Mayo, equestrian director, and his assistant, Albert McGee, are breaking in snow white steeds. - Gardner Wilson (press agent)
Billboard, March 4, 1922, pp. 68, 69, 70, 102. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Tom Atkinson, owner of the Atkinson Dog, Pony and Monkey Shows, has closed his wagon show, sold all the baggage stock, etc., and stored his wagons in St. Augustine, Fla., after a successful winter season touring Florida. He will be with the J. F. Murphy shows (carnival) the coming season. He had a beautiful set of scenery made for his Dog and Monkey Village, painted by Eddie Hennard, sign artist, carried by the show. Mrs. Atkinson has been busy wil her assistants spangling all parade paraphernalia and designing dog and monkey costumes. The writer, midget clown and assistants, have been busy practicing new stunts. Mrs. Prince Elmer will join the Murphy Shows at the opening date in Greenville, S. C. - Prince Elmer (show representative)
Chas. T. Hunt, manager of Hunt's New Modern Circus of overland fame, which is wintering at Arlington, a suburb of Baltimore, has organized a novelty vaudeville act entitled, "Circus Review." The act consists of four people, a pony and bucking mule, and runs twenty-two minutes.
Baltimore. Roy Tranty, formerly of the LaTena Circus, is still confined to the sanitarium here. It is his second year at the institution. Frank Myres, of the John Robinson Circus, who is wintering here, expects to return to the show at Peru, Ind., this spring.
Frank K. St. Claire arrived in St. Louis last week direct from South Africa, where he closed a three-year contract with the Shipp & Feltus Circus. He will have charge of the front of Mysterious Randall's Oriental Wonder Workers, a show now being built at the winter quarters of the Siegrist & Silbon Shows in Kansas City, Mo.
"Tex" Cooper and Nona, the "American Doll Lady," signed with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus side show, their second season there.
Frank DeRue, contortionist and clown, has signed with the Sells-Floto Circus.
Eddie James will be back with the Great Sanger Show in charge of the cook house, and will also have the baseball team.
Eaton E. Mason will be with the Howe show this season as clown "copper."
The Lathams are playing indoor bazaars through Kansas and Oklahoma with their double trapeze and acrobatic acts. They will be with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus this season.
Herman Joseph, clown, will be with the Sells-Floto Circus again this season.
W. A. Kleinpeter, clown, writes from Taft, Cal., that he will not be with a circus this season, as his wife is in a sanatorium in Southern California, having been there since the Kleinpeters left the Howe show at Pomona, Cal., last April. Kleinpeter is in charge of one of the gas company's cookhouses in Taft.
Otto (Dutch) Hoffman will be with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson circus in the privilege department.
George Connors will have the side show with the Sparks Circus the coming season and a feature will be Medusa, with her den of serpents. Her husband, F. A. (Doc) Cline, will also be with the show on one of the ticket boxes.
J. C. Kelly, legal adjuster of the Sparks Show, it happy over the return from Bermuda of Mrs. Kelly and daughters, where they made a hit with their dancing specialty. At present the family occupies its new home in the residential section of the Boardwalk, Atlantic City. John will leave shorty for another season fixing things for the Sparks Show.
H. D. Gannon, of the old Gannon Family, which years ago trouped with many circuses, and for the past fifteen years a medicine lecturer, died recently in a hospital at Wilmington, N. C. at the age of 59. At the time of his death he was with the Beach Wonder Remedy Company, of Columbia, S. C. His widow and four children, residing at 120 Dock street, Wilmington, survive.
Ralph Montgomery, 25, with the Great Keystone Shows and last season with the Engle & Eldridge Show, died suddenly January 30, of acute indigestion, at the headquarters of the former organization, in Whaleyville, Va. His mother, who resides in Arcadia, Pa., survives. Burial was in Whaleyville.
William Wells died in New York City February 8 from heart trouble. The deceased had formerly been connected with the Barnum & Bailey Circus. He leaves a widow.
Glenn Whiting, 32, of Homer, N. Y., for about nine years a billposter with various circuses, including the Barnum-Ringling Shows, died at the Cortland County Hospital, Cortland, N. Y., recently, after a brief illness. He leaves his parents, three sisters and two brothers. Funeral services were held at the Homer Congregational Church, and interment was in the Cortland Rural Cemetery.
Billboard, March 11, 1922, pp. 68, 69, 70, 71, 102. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Mack Hill states that he has sold all of his circus property and the property of Hill Bros. Circus, including the ring stock, animals and cars, to Adolph Maxiner, of Jacksonville, Fla., and he will not put out Hill Bros. Circus this season. He has not leased the title. Hill says that he will be connected with a circus in an official capacity.
Everything is getting a complete overhauling at the winter quarters, Columbus, O., of the B. W. Lucas Shows. The show will be enlarged this season with more stock, wagons and people. Mr. Lucas recently purchased a ticket wagon and a snow white horse for bareback riding. Herned, "pony with the human brain," will be one of the features of the show. Madame Bonni, at present in Los Angeles, is expected at the quarters at an early date. Dock Truesdale and wife will be with the show with a goat act. - Jack Desantel (for the show)
Owing to the storm and blowdown that the Lowery Bros. Show encountered last July at Port Carbon, Pa., in which the entire outfit with the exception of three trucks, was lost, it has been necessary for manager George B. Lowery to secure an entire new outfit for the coming season. The show will be enlarged with a side show, pit show and small midway. The roster for the dressing room is nearly complete. Among the signed contracts at present are those of Billy Grant and family, contortionists and aerialists; May and Howard DeVard, aerialists; Lou and Kenneth Grant, hand balancers, acrobats and aerialists; Kelly's dogs and goats; Pinkie Richards and Bob Toy, clowns. It will be the eighth season for the Grants with the Lowery show. Prof. Arthur Roark, of Baltimore, will again have the band. Dutch Sherman has arrived at the quarters in Shenandoah, Pa., and has taken charge of of all canvas and seats. Leo Shome has charge of the props. This season will make the twenty-seventh for the Lowery Bros. Shows and from all indications will be a big one, as the early closing last season left most of Mr. Lowery's territory without a show for a year. The season will open about May 10.
Frank W. Decker has signed with the Al G. Barnes Circus.
Peggy Waddell, female impersonator, the past two seasons with the Rhoda Royal Show, will be with the Christy show this year.
Joe Kelly, the Transcontinental Trouper, who is wintering in Des Monies, Ia., will be boss porter on the Patterson Animal Circus.
A. V. Fuller, better known as Floss, who for the past several seasons has been with the Mugivan & Bowers shows, will have charge of the lithographs on the John Robinson Circus this season.
Shorty Flemm, with his boxing kangaroo, will be with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. He appeared at the Shriner's Indoor Circus in Cincinnati last week, and his funny antics went big.
Joh Murry, of Cleveland, recently met Mark Scanlin, who had a lion act at the Ohio Theater in the Forest City. They had not seen each other in fifteen years. Both were formerly with the Barnum & Bailey Show.
George K. Ringling and wife and Sig Arcaris and daughter, Virginia, will again be seen on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
Andrew White, of the Four Cansinos with the Ringling show for many seasons, is now in his twelfth week on the Poli Circuit. Andy is doing special police duty in the lobbies and meeting the kiddies, scoring a big hit. White will be with the Cansinos on the Ringling-Barnum Show this season.
E. Haag, owner of the Mighty Haag Shows, wired that the show gave three performances in Brunswick, Ga., March 1 to capacity at the matinee and two turnaways at night.
Advertising car No. 1 of Christy Bros. Greater United Wild Animal Shows opened in Beaumont, Tex., February 25 with a full crew of union billposters and biller, with Walter McCorkhill manager of the car. The show opens in Beaumont March 11.
Ralph Noble, now with Thurston's Museum, has been engaged by James W. Beatty, side show manager with Gollmar Bros. Circus, for tickets, and Mrs. Nobel will have an act in the side show. Mr. Noble said it was erroneously reported in The Billboard that he would go with the Rhoda Royal Circus.
Doc Grant's old partner, Harry Mick, has signed up for the coming season with the Patterson Show, and will do his specialty on the track.
The Chas. Siegrist troupe of aerialists, which has been playing big Shrine circuses for the past ten weeks, was one of the feature acts at the Shrine Circus in Cincinnati last week. The troupe went to Canton, O., for a two weeks' rest, after which they will join the Ringling-Barnum Circus for the 1922 season. The troupe consisted of five people for the winter circuses, with Chas. Siegrist and Bobbi Fisher doing the flying; Frank Shive and wife the catching, and Dorothy Siegrist performing on the single bar at the top of the rigging. Seven people will be used in the act for the outdoor circus season. Ray Hendryx of Bloomington, Ill., and Florence Nelson will be the additions.
Chas. Kid Koster has signed as special opposition agent with the James Patterson Trained Wild Animal Circus. This will be the first season Mr. Koster has tackled the lots in over eight years. It will be remembered that he handled brigades with the Ringling, Buffalo Bill, Walter L. Main, Wallace, Forepaugh-Sells and other tented enterprises. He has for the past two seasons been identified with the First National, Metro and Paramount picture companies in New York.
From a twenty-car enterprise, as formerly planned, the Patterson Trained Wild Animal Circus has deemed it necessary to make a five car addition of rolling stock to cope with the increase of parade materials and to find room that will be essential to take care of the many animals and large acts engaged. These activities have kept Ray Elder, assistant manager, busy. The welcome news that Fred Buchanan, former owner of the Yankee Robinson Circus, will be officially connected with the Patterson Animal Circus. Chas. Parker is "doing" the horse markets in The West. Between trains he is purchasing, where he can, animals of every description. Chas. (Kid) Koster and Earl Hite, special agents, have been pressed into service by Al Clarkson, the general agent. They are doing scout duty, visiting various towns on this season's itinerary and making reports as the to industries, how many people are at work and the general possibilities of a successful circus engagement. John Henry Rice, veteran contractor, is already looking over the "lots." Recent visitors at quarters were Abner Klein and brother, from Albuquerque.
Montgomery, Ala., March 1. With the addition of three baby leopards, now ten days old, and a baby camel, born on February 22, the menagerie will have six lion cubs, five leopard cubs, two puma cubs, a baby camel and two baby monkeys. Harry Martell, steward, is busy getting his cookhouse ready. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. DeMott are here practicing daily. Joe Greer has just returned to quarters after playing a pleasant engagement the Tampa (Fla.) Fair. All of the animal acts are in fine shape under the direction of John Guilfoyle and wifre. Mr. Guilfoyle has finished breaking an act of five male lions, featuring the "untamable" lion, Brutus. James Beattie, side show manager, has his side show practically complete. Charles Barry, equestrian director, has returned from New York City with a large shipment of wardrobe for the spec, the coming season. While Mr. Barry was in New York he was entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Charley Matin, who will again be with this show the coming season. William H. Miles, assistant legal adjuster, arrived yesterday from Hot Spring, Ark. The veteran detective of the show, Col. Geo. W. Ross, of Vanceboro, Me., expects to leave for the sunny South very soon. - Chas. Barry (equestrian director)
John H. Greatfield, formerly for many years a publicity agent for Barnum & Bailey's Circus, died February 26 in St. John's Hospital, Long Island City, N. Y., after an illness of several weeks. He was 61 years old. Following his retirement from the circus, Mr. Greatfield became prominent in Greater New York City as a promoter of professional and semi-professional baseball teams.
Edward Hodgini, circus owner, died recently in Langford, Ireland, of heart failure. Mr. Hodgini was a brother of Joe Hodgini, of the Hodgini troupe of equestrians with the John Robinson Circus.
Mrs. George A. Kenna, formerly for years known in circus side shows as "Trilby, the fat lady," died in Chicago, February 28. Mrs. Kenna retired from the circus about sixteen years ago and made her home in Chicago.
Micky Martin, well known to oldtimers in the circus world, died in Providence, R. I., last October. He was with the old Adam Forepaugh Show, Barnum & Bailey, and toured France with the McCaddon show.
Harry M. Matthews, 48, better known in the outdoor show world as "Whitey," and formerly connected with the Frank A. Robbins, John Robinson and other circuses, besides many carnivals, died recently at his home in Holidaysburg, Pa., of a complication of diseases. Last season he was with the J. V. Morasca United Amusement Company. Surviving are his widow and one stepdaughter. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.
Edward August Woeckener, for ten years bandmaster with the Al G. Barnes Circus, was granted a divorce from Lucille Cazenave Woeckener, formerly an equestrienne, in Los Angeles, February 22. They were married in Battle Creek, Mich., six years ago, when both were members of the circus. Mr. Woeckener charged desertion.
Billboard, March 25, 1922, pp. 68, 69, 70, 102. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Havre de Grace, Md., March 16. Now that contracts have been received from all of the big feature acts signed for the Walter L. Main Circus, "Governor" Downie makes public the list. The first appearance in this country of Macahua de Ortega, a Brazilian lady, who is said to be a wonder on the slack and tight wire. She is said to use an umbrella for a stabilizer, and dances the Maxie on the tight wire as well as doing the longest swing on the slack wire ever attempted. She comes here direct from Rio de Janeiro, and this is her first visit to the States. She has been a feature in vaudeville for several years in South America. Another sensation act is the Three Kirkillos, Russian acrobats and boomerang throwers. They work high in the air, without a net. They sail next week from Havana and this will their first visit to this country as well. The big show program with the Josseffssen Troupe and the Mangean Family will read like a Congress of Nations.
Head porter John Clark arrived this week and has a crew busy on the Pullman sleepers. A new 80 foot workingmen's sleeper with vestibule ends arrived Wednesday. Car manager George Caron has issued the call for his men and they will report April 5. Lee Schaeffer, who has his Lee Bros. Show wintering at Frederick, Md., stopped off here recently and purchased two fifty foot flat cars. Larry Boyd was also a visitor and has secured two of the LaTena stocks. As Florence Forrester will not be with the show, remaining in New York at business college, Mrs. Andrew Downie will have charge of the reserved seats, succeeding Miss Forrester. - Fletcher Smith (press agent)
The Billboard is in receipt of a lengthy letter from Kent Miller, trombonist, voicing complaint against bandmaster Ed Woeckner and the management of the Al G. Barnes Circus. Mr. Miller alleges that after joining the show as a musician, he was consigned to temporary sleeping quarters that were so unsatisfactory that he left the connection March 7 and returned to McAlester, Ok. He states that about $175 was expended in going to and from the job.
Atlanta, Ga., March 16. The circus season here will be ushered in by the Sparks Shows at the old Jackson and Wheat street show grounds April 3 and 4. The circus will play under the auspices of the Yaarb Temple of the Shrine. It was here under the same auspices in the spring of 1920. The Sparks Circus will open the season at Macon April 1, and come directly here for four performances.
Tennille, Ga. J. C. Parker, owner and manager of Parker's Motorized Shows, is recovering from a severe case of erysipelas. However, he has been looking after the interests of his show and kept things going.
Tom Atkinson's Dog and Pony Show did fair business with the J. F. Murphy (carnival) Shows at the opening stand, Greenville, S. C., week of March 6. The Atkinson show has an excellent electric front, made by Capt. Fred Delvey. Chas. Eichorn, boss canvasman, has left and joined the Metropolitan Shows. He expects Mrs. Eichorn to join him later, likewise his son, Charles. Mrs. Prince Elmer will join within a few weeks. A shipment of plumes and trappings has arrived for Mrs. Atkinson's military ponies. Eddie Hennard, artist with the show, intends to buy a truck and build a home on it. - Prince Elmer (for the show)
Harry and Ida Leando have signed with the Lowery Bros. Shows.
Charles Spaullding has charge of the train of Christy Bros. Shows.
Lee Tellier is with the Al G. Barnes Circus, according to L. M. Slocum.
The Clark Duo, bag punchers, now in vaudeville, will be with the Gollmar Bros. Circus this season.
The Three Petersons, last season with the John Robinson Circus, left Cincinnati March 13 for Aiken, S. C., to join the Mighty Haag Show.
Clarence Auskings, for the past three seasons general agent for the Campbell Bros. Shows, has signed as special agent with Gollmar Bros. Circus.
F. J. Frink, general agent Walter L. Main Circus, visited New York two weeks ago from his home in Oxford, Pa.
Princess Marguerite, midget who weighs twenty-five pounds, will be with the Sells-Floto Circus.
Kathryn Solt, of the Aerial Solts, underwent a serious operation at the Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester, Ind., March 11. They will again be with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, their third season.
Walter L. Main said to a New York representative of The Billboard: "Well, I went down to Cedar Crest, N. J., to buy the Campbell Brothers' Circus. I offered W. P. Campbell $10,000 for it, but he refused. Wish I could have gotten it. The property is the finest two-car outfit I have seen."
Jack Pfeiffenberger, side show boss canvasman, was a Billboard caller last week before leaving to join the Gollmar Bros. Circus. Jack makes Cincinnati his home during the winter.
G. C. Hendricks left Cincinnati to join the No. 1 car of the Ringling-Barnum Circus under management of "Pop" Goodheart. Hendricks was with the Al G. Barnes Circus last year.
If Walter L. Main had succeeded in buying the Campbell Bros. Circus he would have hired a manager and agent of reputation to run it for him. He is, as all know, manager of Polack Bros. (Carnival) Shows for I. J. Polack.
Burns O'Sullivan, who is managing B. S. Moss' Jefferson Theater, New York, and last season assistant to Andrew Downie on the Walter L. Main Circus, says he doesn't think he will troupe this season.
Ray Vaught, last season with Richards Bros. Circus as calliope player, writes that he will put out a musical comedy under canvas this season under the name of Ray Vaught's "Baby Vampires."
Memphis, Tenn., March 18. When the Great Sanger Circus opens its season April 12 the menagerie will boast one of the largest collections of trained wild animals ever carried with a three car circus. Another shipment of wild and domestic animals reached winter quarters last week, consisting of a female performing elephant, 9 feet, 3 inches in height; one camel, a pair of full grown African lions, a puma, twenty monkeys, fourteen Shetland ponies and half a dozen trained Spitz dogs. The big top this season will be an 80 foot round top with three thirty foot middle pieces, side show a 60 foot round top with a thirty foot middle piece and ten double-deck side show banners. Jack Kelly will again be side show manager. Robert B. Woods, manager of the pit show, is a recent arrival in winter quarters. He has collected a strong array of freaks and oddities for his department. J. P. Burns will be inside lecturer on the pit show.
W. W. Clark, for twenty years with the M. L. Clark & Sons Circus, will be superintendent of privileges this season. Andy Kelly and Jack Malone will again this season be in the privilege department. Prof. Wm. Bright will direct the side show band and colored minstrels with ten people. The big show band will consist of fourteen pieces. H. C. Cruise, the pitchman, will again be with the big show this season. Equestrian director Arthur Berry, who has been spending the winter on his farm at Keokuk, Ia., will soon arrive to assume charge of the ring barn. John D. Foss, of Seattle, Wash., who has been connected with the show in an official capacity for several seasons, has decided not to troupe this season. Recent visitors in winter quarters were Frank Orman and wife, last season with the Sells-Floto Circus, and who were connected with the Great Sanger Circus in 1919.
Columbus, Kan., March 17. Everything is progressing at the winter quarters of Rialdo's Dog, Pony and Monkey Show. Several new animals have been added, including a new riding monk, two more ponies and bucking mule, making eighteen animal actors on the program. Curtis Mitchell will again have charge of the animals, his second season. Cages and props have been repainted and new trappings ordered. The Rialdo show will be one of the feature attractions with the Siegrist & Silbon (carnival) Shows. - Mrs. Rialdo (for the show)
Jack Senter and Nettie Carroll, members of the Shipp & Feltus Circus, now touring South America, were married a the Methodist Episcopal Church, Montevideo, Uruguay, February 14.
John Shubert and Gertrude Williamson were married in Chicago March 13 by Judge Pomeroy. Mr. Shubert, a Chicagoan, was formerly with Ringling Bros. and three seasons with the Sells-Floto Circus. He was known as the "Human Frog." Mrs. Shubert is from Corpus Christi, Tex., and an iron jaw artist.
Billboard, April 1, 1922, pp. 64, 65, 67, 102. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Sells-Floto Circus advance car No. 1. Paul W. Harrell is in charge of the car. James Winterstern is secretary. The rest of the roster is P. C. Carlyle, Leo Kelly, F. R. Daughterty, John R. Goo, Frank Short, Henry A. Kober, Ed Russell, F. J. Keenan, Walter Berger, W. Pettitt, V. A. Williams, Harry J. Kaley, Steve Mason, Ray Heath, John Loveland, Wallace Beaumont, S. J. Clauson, Roland Douglas, Virgil Post, George Preston, Eddie Blake, W. S. Wandrak, Joe Hawley.
The corrected list of executives of the show: Zack Terrell, manager; Ed C. Warner, general agent and traffic manager; C. W. Finney and Thomas F. Heeney, contracting agents; William Pilkinghorn, special agent; W. B. Naylor, general press representative; Frank Stewart, press agent back with show; Billy Exon, banner advertising; George B. Chandler, checker.
Macon, Ga., March 24. The Sparks Circus will open the season here April 1. The equipment has been overhauled and in first-class condition. Six new monkeys, an elephant, lions and tigers have arrived at the Central City Park quarters. Six Bibb County (Georgia) pigs have been trained for the show. The parade will be a long one, and three bands and two steam calliopes will be used.
Chicago, March 25. Andrew Downie purchased two 62 foot flat cars from the Haffner-Thrall Car Company this week for the Walter L. Main Shows. Only recently Mr. Downie purchased two other new cars from the same firm.
Baltimore, March 21. The writer, while in Washington, met Sam Fink, of pop-'em-in fame, who has been with the Walter L. Main Circus for the past five years. Sam has invested in a billiard and pool parlor on Ninth street, in the heart of Washington. Sam and the writer visited the Almas Temple Shrine Fair and Circus at Convention Hall. John J. P. Mullane deserves much credit for the manner in which he managed and promoted the affair. Among the amusements was Hunt's Circus Review. Gus Rippel, manager of Rippel Bros. Circus of overland fame, was a visitor here, on his way from New York to his winter quarters, Orange, Va.
While in Washington recently Chas. T. Hunt, of Hunt's New Modern Circus, was in conference with Robert Kline, general agent of Gloth's Greater Shows. As a result of the meeting the Hunt Circus will take the road next season as a railroad aggregation with Mr. Kline as partner. - J. T. Harriman
Abe Goldstein is with the Rhoda Royal Show, having canceled his contract with the Sells-Floto Circus. Says Goldstein: "We have a great show and everything is running nicely. Fred Collier is the equestrian director. Some of the acts with the show are the Great Onley Family (six people) of acrobats; DeLyons Troupe (three people), wire walkers; Gordon Sisters, iron jaw and swinging ladder, and twelve clowns. Don Darragh arrived from New York a few days ago and is breaking a new elephant act. The Wild West contingent is made up of six cowboys and four cowgirls."
Frank McGuyre, who had been with the Mighty Haag Show for many years, will this season be contracting agent for the John Robinson Circus. Mr. Haag is having a very good winter season.
On the No. 1 car of the Al G. Barnes Circus are: W. J. Erickson, manager; Mike Beck, boss billposter; Doc Camp, steward; James Savage, Frank J. Cooney, Ervin Winners, Ernie Escene, Joe Healy, Frank Fiscus and Tom Bagon, billposters; J. J. Brassill, Thomas Godfrey, W. C. Atcher and Slip Greeax, bannermen Malone C. Thompson, checker; Ben Fink, Ray Collins and Joe Baker, lithographers; Kid Sherley.
Chicago, March 24. Al Clarkson, general agent of Patterson's Trained Wild Animal Circus, reported that the circus is shaping up for the road and that the opening will be in Paola, Kan., April 29.
Chicago, March 25. Ross A. Dano has reappeared from farm life, where he has been for three years, and is general agent for Soll's Bros. Circus, a new 20 car outfit, which opens today in Metropolis, Ill. Mr. Dano formerly owned Dano's Greater Shows, a carnival organization.
Dan Vernon will be with Gollmar Bros. Circus.
Charles Pease (Band Wagon Fat) will again be with the Sparks Circus.
Jolly Babe will be with the Sells-Floto Circus and Bonnie Bess with the C. R. Leggette (carnival) Shows.
Tom Atkinson's Dog and Pony Show gave a special matinee March 16 at Asheville, N. C. for the benefit of the orphans.
Ray Glaum, female impersonator, will again be with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, his third season, working the come-in.
Mr. and Mrs. George Sullivan, known as the Tianta Midgets, will do a talking act in the side show of the Sells-Floto Circus.
The Three Jung Bros. and Buster Marsh are with the Ringling-Barnum Circus doing their comedy acrobatic act and some new clown numbers.
Percy Smith is finishing a lyceum season in Canada and will be with the John Robinson Circus this year singing in the big top and doing Jewish characterization.
After closing a winter season of ten weeks witht he National Bazaar & Exposition Companyu, Arthur Mainelli, trap drummer, and George Starch, cornetist, will again be with the band on Cole Bros. Show.
Ed Raymond, clown, has been playing indoor circus engagements this winter. He will again be with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
Walter L. Main informs The Billboard that he is pleased to say that H. S. Palmer is selling all the Lincoln Bros. Circus property and rapidly paying all obligations. The show closed last season at Athens, N. Y., and the property is being "peddled" from that place.
Eddie Raschetta, of the Raschetta Bros., formerly with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, will not be seen under the white tops this season. He is doing a four people acrobatic act with George LaSalle, Jack Heany and Edmund Mack for the Arthur Davis Amusement Company.
Hank W. Wakefield, adjuster, formerly with the Great Wallace, Sells-Floto, and John Robinson shows, will be with D. D. Murphy's Carnival Shows this season.
L. R. Choisser (Crazy Ray), the calliope maniac, will be with the new excursion steamer, George Washington. Ra;y will play the steam piano and have the candy wheel. Mrs. Ray will play the saxophone in the ladies' orchestra.
Charlie Heaton, who still can play some tuba and who was with all the oldtime Eastern circuses, including Sig Sautelle, is going back in the game this season. He is present doing well at Thorndale, Pa. Charlie last trouped with Charlie Tinney with the Cole Bros. Show.
James H. Harto, "Chandra," is doing well over the New England Circuit. Jim writes that he will be away from the white tops this season and is going to give his home folks a surprise when he drops in on them at Webster, Mass.
Cole Bros. Shows: E. H. Jones, prop. and treas.; Sid Scott, secy.; L. C. Gillette, gen. agt.; Harry Bowman, local con.; Harry Kelly, spec. agt.; J. A. Anderson, con. press agt.; Frank A. Goldie, mgr. side show; J. Owen Lewis, eques. dir.; Dennie Helms, gen. supt.; C. V. Crawford, supt. priv.; Anthony Espiceto, mus. dir.; L. L. Leon, supt. res. seat tickets; D. Helms, supt. canvas; T. H. Anderson supt. lights; Harry Field, supt. elephants and animals; John Kelly, legal adj. Opens at Spartanburg, S. C., April 1.
Honest Bill Shows: Honest Bill Newton, prop. and mgr.; A. B. Campbell, treas.; Mrs. Will Newton, secy.; Jocky Day, gen. agt.; B. C. Bryan, press agent; Capt. Wm. Cunningham, mrg. side show; Fred E. Roe, eques. dir.; Pee Wee Stephens, mus. dir.; Jack Riddle, supt. canvas; McAxmon, boss hostler; Abe Ables, supt. lights; Joe (Blackie) Daniels, supt. ring stock; A. M. Gregg, supt. stock. Opened at Ada, Okla., March 24.
Howe's Great London & Van Amburg's Trained Wild Animals: M. E. Golden, Chas. J. Adams and M. B. Runkle, props.; Chas. T. Boulware, mgr.; Milt Runkle, treas.; D. G. Evans, secy.; R. L. Goodenough, aud.; Frank A. Cassidy, gen. agt. and ___; J. C. (Dusty) Rhoades, local con.; Karl Knudson and James Saunders, sepc. agts.; Bert Chipman, con., press agt.; Ed Daley, advance press agt.; James Frank, press agt. back with show; John Randolph Fowler, mrg. side show; James Babcock, gen. supt.; "Babe" Collins, supt. priv.; O. A. Gilson, mus. dir.; Mort Smith, supt. canvas; Paul Barton, trainmaster; Joe Lloyd, boss hostler; A. W. (Spot) Meyers, supt. comm. dept.; Jack St. Ledger, supt. lights; Chas. Fulton, supt. ring stock; Thomas Ryan, supt. stock; Karl Knudson, 24-hour agt.; N. W. McKkay, supt. elephants; James Babcock; boss carpenter; Jules Jacob, supt. animals; Geo. Buckley, blacksmith; Bert Chipman, mgr. adv. car No. 1; A. Van Buhre, mgr. adv. car No. 2; C. G. Giles, checker-up; Gus Schwab, legan adj.; Eddie Bell, announcer. Fifteen cars. Opened at Redwood City, Cal., March 23.
Lucky Bill Shows: Honest Bill Newton, prop.; Lucky Bill Newton, mgr.; A. B. Campbell, secy. and treas.; Marvin Hemingway, mgr. side show. Opened at Ada, Okla, March 24.
Sparks World's Famous Shows: Chas. Sparks, mgr.; Clifton Sparks, asst. mgr.; Wm. Morgan, treas.; Frank Bowen, secy.; L. A. Wahl, aud.; F. W. Ballenger, gen. agt. and ___; W. H. Selvage and L. Greenhaw, local contractors; Dave Carroll, spec. agt.; J. H. Blair, con. press agt.; Eddie Jackson, press agt. back with show; Geo. V. Conners, mgr. side show; Allen Houser, eques. dir.; Chas. B. Fredericks, special representative; Doc Walker, supt. priv.; Jack Phillips, mus. dir.; Chas E. Henry, steward; Walter S. Mason, side show band; Harry Willis, supt. res. seat tickets; Geo. Singleton, supt. canvas; W. C. Cross, trainmaster; Jimmy McDonald, supt. comm. dept.; Gary Vanderbilt, supt. lights; Carl Johnson, supt. props.; Jack Dray, supt. ring stock; Jim Irving, supt. stock; Mack McGinnis, supt. working crew; Ike Ellis and Guy Hilderbrand, 24-hour agts.; A. E. Green, special announcer and adv. bannerman; Louie Reed, supt. animals; Bill Colescott, blacksmith; J. M. Randolph, mgr. adv. car No. 1; John Jarrett checker up; J. C. Kelley, legal adj.; Doc Cline, announcer; 20 cars. Opens at Macon, Ga., April 1.
Roster of the Howe show advertising car includes Bert J. Chipman, manager and contracting press agent; James K. Fowler, boss billposter; Joe Julian, H. C. McMahon, James Murdock, Reese O'Connell, Harry Hammond, brushes; J. E. Smith, programs, adn Jack Palmer paste maker. Frank Bagan has the brigade, with Charles Patchen working one week ahead of the show. Chipman's car is two weeks ahead.
The Campbell Bros. Two-Car Circus will take the road this season with improvements in its physical make-up and performance. The staff remains practically the same as last season.
Wallace Brooks, musician, and one-time trouper with Patterson's Trained Wild Animal Shows, Gollmar Bros. and Cooper Bros. circuses, died in Duluth, Minn., February 13. He was 22 years old. Interment was in Marquette, Michigan.
Mrs. Isabelle Lancaster, 87, once known as the world's most famous bareback rider, died at Vassar Bros. Hospital, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., March 25, of pleuro pneumonia. She was with the P. T. Barnum Circus half a century ago. For a long time Mrs. Lancaster had been in want, but firmly declined all charity. Little is known at this time of her personal history.
Sid Kridello, artist, with the Cole Bros. Circus the past three seasons, and Lillian Bell, non-professional, were married March 14 at Goldsboro, N. C.
Jack Washburn, in charge of the wrestling exhibition with the Christy Bros. Circus this season, and Mrs. S. M. Hicks, known professionally as Margaret Harmon, were married in Kountze, Tex., March 4.
Billboard, April 8, 1922, pp. 64, 65, 66, 67, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Indianapolis will be the first stand under canvas for the Sells-Floto Circus this year. The date is Tuesday, April 25. The engagement at the Coliseum, Chicago, starts April 8 and runs up to and including Sunday night, April 23.
Advance car No. 2 of the Sparks Circus started at Macon, Ga., March 15 with the following crew: James Randolph, manager; Dave Carroll, press agent; Pinkie Bowers, boss billposter; John Jarrett, George Pritchard, Bert Babcock, and Leo Fabry, billposters; Willard Chaplin, special agent, assisted by Bennie Darrows, H. DeLotel and E. M. Johnson; Ike Houser, boss lithographer; Ralph Guy and H. C. Henton, lithographers; Whitie Cain, boss bannerman; William McCurry, Eddie Curran, W. J. O'Neal, W. Woodcock, bannermen; Ralph Patterson, mailing list; Harry Dameron, programmer; Arthur Masters, chef; Gus Hedderich, porter.
Bob Stickney informed that the Stickney Family, consisting of Mr. Stickney, wife and daughter, Emily, will not be with any circus this season, but will play fairs. Mr. Stickney had his dog and pony act featured with the Arthur Davis Shrine circus at the Medinah Temple in Chicago.
In the story of the Ringling-Barnum Circus opening in the last issue of The Billboard, it was mentioned that Hillary Long did the big swing on his head for a finish in Display No. 9, programmed as "Trapeze Exploits and Novel Head Balancing." Ed (Upside-Down) Millette, in a letter to The Billboard, writes: "I am the originator and the only one who has ever done this trick."
In last week's issue of The Billboard mention was made that the Patterson Trained Wild Animal Cricus would open in Paola, Kan., April 29. Al Clarkson, general agent of the circus, advises that April 22 is the opening date and not April 29.
H. G. Wilson closed his vaudeville act, "The Horseback Riding Lion," on the Poli Time, March 18, and left for Havre de Grace, Md., to get ready to open with Walter L. Main's Shows, with which he will manage the side show and direct the concert.
A bucking mule has been added to the Atkinson Dog & Pony Show, bringing the stock up to fifteen head, besides the parade stock. Mrs. Earl Veal, of Veal Bros. Shows, was a recent visitor. Week of March 13 was a good one for the show. Boss hostler Pop Atkinson is assisted by Walter Tarrell, formerly of Jim Eskew's Wild West Show.
J. E. Ogden left Cincinnati for Chicago to join the Sells-Floto Circus as side show manager. He finished the season (about six weeks) last year with Sells-Floto, after closing with the Walter L. Main Circus.
J. G. Boyle, who closed in Phoenix, Ariz., as carpenter with the "Bringing Up Father" company, is now with car No. 1, of Sells-Floto Circus.
Walter L. Main had the first automobile on the Pacific Coast in 1899 featured in the parade and grand entree.
Charles Kid Koster informs that he has canceled his contract with the Patterson Trained Wild Animal Circus as special opposition agent and has accepted the management of an Eastern park.
Walter Allen, who has been in Cincinnati, left last week for Whitings, N. J., to join the Campbell Bros. Trained Wild Animal Circus.
Frank T. Kelly informs that he will be under Charles Davis in the cookhouse of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus this season, also the Bart Higby will be there.
Ethel May Clark Van Atta has signed with the Ringling-Barnum Circus to do trick and fancy roller skating. Mr. VanAtta, who will shortly join his wife, has been managing the Pastime Skating Academy, at Endicott, N. Y.
Mabel Murphy, formerly with the Howe, Rhoda Royal and Yankee Robinson Shows, is back in burlesque, featuring her oriental dance, under the name of Mlle. Macherrie.
Fred Bradna and wife, Ella, with the Ringling-Barnum Circus, were joined last week by their 17 year old daughter, Helen, who arrived from Strasbourg, Alsace-Larraine. Helen was crippled by infantile paralysis when she was three years old, and until two years ago, it was thought she would be an invalid for life. Now her recovery is so complete that she plans to learn to ride a horse like her parents and will join the circus.
Chicago, March 31. Flossie La Blanche, physical culture exponent, with the Rhoda Royal Circus last season, will open April 10 with the National Disabled Soldiers' League. Two weeks will be played in Indianapolis and then the organization will go on the road. Ray Marsh Brydon is director.
St. Paul, March 30. A murder mystery that has puzzled the police of the Twin Cities for two years was solved with the identity of the woman found slain in a vacant house in Minneapolis in 1920 as Ella Petrine Anderson, Danish circus performer, known to members of the profession as Flossie McTune.
The Rhoda Royal Circus big show program includes: Tournament; statue horses with Rose Collier and Emma Hitt; clown number; garland entry, sixteen riders; elephant acts, Mrs. Royal ajnd Ola Darragh; iron jaw, Lorden Sisters; lion, Capt. Harry Hall; revolving table, clowns; eight trick horses by Fred Collier and Mrs. Royal; Australian whips, Tom Hitt; Three Harolds, comedy acrobats; dogs, pony and bears, worked by Mrs. Royal and F. Collier; clown number; DeLion troupe, contortionists; high jumping horses, ridden by Roy Snother and Tom Hitt; clown number; menage act, nine horses; swinging ladders, Lorden Sisters; comedy revolving ladders, Feister and Ross and Nickleson and Wright; mule acts; Indian bareback act; hippodrome races. Fred J. Collier is equestrian director.
The concert turns are provided by Emma Hitt Company, Chet Morris, Tom Hitt, Slim Snothers, F. Collier, Carl Pastalac, Tony and Mabel Montzero, Fred Collier and Orvil Gillim. In the band are J. B. South, Bert Delno, Jim Young, Walter Montley, W. Ford, Gregg Williams, W. F. Delno, Mrs. Gregg Williams, Walter Miller and Sunny J. Jones. The minstrel show has Eddie Lightfoot, Walter Montley, Lillian LeRoy, Mattie Dorsey, Renell Robinson and Helen Williams. Ray Dick is manager of the side show, assisted by Jack Sampson, inside lecturer. The program consists of Clara Sampson, mind reading; Marie Hand, bag punching; Jack Payne, tattooed man; Jack Sampson, magic and illusion; Wesley LaPearl, snakes; Gertrude Brodie, sword walking; Charley Gray, Punch and Judy; Jack Dimmond, fire eater; Marie Smith, Helen Pence, Lee Norris, Wesley LaPearl, Gertrude Brodie in the Turkish theater. G. C. Smith, Bob Pence and Bay Hand are on tickets; Rube Williams is side show boss canvasman, with eleven assistants. E. MacSperry and Clifford Normberg are on the front door; W. E. Chayter is boss ticket seller, with eight assistants; Charley Normberg, boss candy butcher with seven assistants; Dave McKay, 24-hour man; A. Morris, bannerman; Shaffer, lot superintendent, assisted by Jim Scanlon; Stellar Marks, boss canvasman, assisted by Blue Jay; Kelly, boss property man; C. J. MacCarthy, legal adjuster; Whitey Morris, assistant; Chas. Herman, trainmaster; Frank Carey, assistant; Chas. Bishop, ring stock boss; Wm. Reed, assistant; F. C. Walker, boss hostler; Jack Morgan, assistant; cookhouse, R. Turland, steward; Manchiel, chef; E. Morris, second cook; L. E. Publer, head waiter. Abe Goldstein (with the show)
The Gregorys, for several seasons with the Walter L. Main Circus, are this season with the Sparks Circus.
Emmett Littleton, at Wilmington, N. C., where he has been boss of the billposting plant for years, is going to put up his own paper this summer as equal owner with Art Eldridge in Foster Bros. Famous Motorized Shows. Emmett writes that he will have a neat motor show and will tour North Carolina and Virginia.
Roy Barrett is again with the Ringling show in clown alley after an engagement with the Mighty Haag Shows.
Mrs. O. Q. Setchell, veteran equestrienne of the circus, died at her home on Venice, Cal., March 4. The deceased was affectionately known as "Mother" Setchell. Over fifty years ago she toured with the Barnum Circus through the Canadian provinces. Later she trouped with the Forepaugh-Sells Cricus and many others. In 1877 she married O. Q. Setchell, at that time musical director with one of the principal circuses. In __ she and her husband organized the Terry "Uncle Tom's Cabin" Company at Bloomington, Ill. In ___ they sold their show and retired, and in recent years have traveled extensively. The latter part of February Mother Setchell had an attack of the "flu" which developed into pneumonia and caused her death. She is survived by her husband.
Jake Friedman, side show manager with Christy Brothers Circus, was granted a divorce from Lillian Friedman in Beaumont, Tex., March 11.
Billboard, April 15, 1922, pp. 64, 65 67, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The W. E. Morgan Circus opened at Maynardville, Tenn., April 3. and was well received. With the show are Ben Art, trapeze and Roman rings; Ed Disney, horizontal bar and breakaway ladder; Disney and Morgan, iron jaw; Henry Kyle and Mae Tateum, unicycle aerialist; Prof. Monroce, blind musician. In clown alley are Billice Burke, "Buttermilk" Jenkins, Master Lesley, Tateum and Avery. The side show feature id Billice Burke, dancing female impersonator. The staff includes W. E. Morgan, owner and manager; Mae Morgan, treasurer; Lon Snodgrass, musical director; Alfred Burke, principal clown; Clyde Jenkins, property man, and H. C. Jeffers, lot superintendent. - Billice Burke (for the show)
Atlanta, Ga., April 5. Just before going to the show grounds for the evening performance Monday the Sparks Circus band, under the direction of Jack Phillips, gave a concert by wireless in the City Auditorium. Only three selections were played, but each of these was so long that it took nearly thirty minutes to present all of them.
Havre de Grace, April 6. Contracts were received today by Andrew Downie assuring the appearance this season with the Walter L. Main Circus of the famous Powers elephants direct from the New York Hippodrome. The elephants will be seen in all of the acts that have made their appearance at the New York house famous. Their engagement brings back to the Main show an attraction that was a feature in the old days and which helped to make the Main name famous. From the Main Circus they went direct to New York and have appeared there ever since. The elephant will be shipped from New York in time for the opening performance here.
Lowery Bros. Shows will be all set for the opening May 10, as superintendent Dutch Sherman is hustling things along. Royal blue and orange will be the colors this season, and will all new canvas the show will make some flash. Recent additions to the personnel are Harry and Ida Leando, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Damson and Prof. W. A. Quackenbush. Manager George B. Lowery intends to make this the longest season in the history of the show, as the tour will be extended down the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Jim O'Hara, with two assistants, again has charge of the advance.
Coming out of winter quarters, Spartanburg, S. C., with the cars and equipment in the best of condition, Cole Bros. Shows, of which Elmer H. Jones is manager, played the first stand of the new season at Clover, S. C., April 1. With first-class acts and a fifteen piece band, the show did capacity business at both performances.
Chicago, April 5. Billy Exton arrived in Chicago this week from Toledo, where he has been press representative for the Temple Theater during the winter season. Mr. Exton will have the banners on the Sells-Floto Circus. He was for five seasons press agent with the John Robinson Circus.
Luke Kilcoin and Jack Russell are with Howe's Great London Shows.
The Whiteside Trio, tight wire artists, will be with Gollmar Bros. Circus.
Doc Bacon will be in charge of inside tickets on the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus.
Word has been received that Frank B. Meister will be bandmaster on the Campbell Bros. Shows.
C. W. Sells was one of the clowns at the American Legion Yankee Circus, Indianapolis, week of April 3.
George Hemel and Frank Otto will again have the barber shop on the Ringling-Barnum & Bailey Circus this season.
Louis Roth, with the Howe show last season, writes that he is again the head trainer of the Al G. Barnes Circus, working the big tiger and lion acts.
Horace Laird, aerial ring artist, will be with the Walter L. Main Circus. He has been in vaudeville this winter under the direction of Collins and Phillips, of Philadelphia.
Al Lindley, boss billposter of the John Robinson Circus, has signed up for his third season with the Robinson show.
One of the big hits with the Sparks show is Madge Evans. She handles three elephants in an excellent manner, does a wonderful act in mid-air, and also displays attractive horsemanship.
Frank P. Spellman paid a visit to The Billboard office in Cincinnati last Wednesday afternoon. Specs and free acts at big fairs for him this year.
The following are in clown alley on the Al B. Barnes Circus: Frank Shipmen, Alva Evans, Bert Lawrence, Charley Posty, Harry Bayfield, Phil S. King, Dan McAvoy, Fred L. Gay, Dave Clark, Chas. Fortune, Dutch Marco, Bill Tate, All Crooks and Bert Leo.
Arthur Hoffman, manager of the Hagenbeck-Wallace side show, and James McSorley, who will be in charge of Mr. Hoffman's pit show, called at the home office of The Billboard last Friday. Hoffman stated that he will have eighteen attractions on stages this season.
Sam Freed writes that he will not be with the white tops this season. He has purchased the Central Theater at Schenectady, N. Y., from the Harry Schaffer estated. Freed will show pictures this summer and in September will have a vaudeville and picture policy. The house seats 700.
Joe Coyle, who was ahead of George Wintz's "Listen, Irene" Company, closed with that show. He is now getting ready to open with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus in Louisville April 22. Joe will again be seen in clown alley and handle the mail.
Jack and Herbert Barnett, once of the Barnum & Bailey Circus and headliners in vaudeville, are home in Roxboro, N. C., in a commercial line. Harry Mooney, elephant man, visited them recently while on tour of North Carolina with his "bucking" mule act. Who does not remember these famous little folk?
A. Gamble informs that Billy Willis and Zeke Mundis will open their Willmuns Humbug Circus in Van Beren, Ark., April 19. The circus will be produced by the high school students of that city, and proceeds will go toward the erection of a community building. From Van Buren Willis and Mundis expect to make the same route as last season.
The Al G. Barnes Circus showed at Selma, Ala., April 2, the home town of ex-showman Barry Gray. Mr. Gray, who is now an auto dealer in Selma, had his salesmen drive parties of the showfolk through the beautiful orchards and vineyards surrounding Selma.
Friends of Frank M. Hogan, ticket seller with the Ringling-Barnum Circus, will regret to learn of his death at the Bellvue Hospital, New York, April 1, of peritonitis. He had been identified with the 101 Ranch Wild West, Buffalo Bill Show and for the last three years with the big circus. He was known as "Scratch" Hogan. Prior to interment at Janesville, Wis., Hogan's remains were taken to a chapel on West 29th street, New York.
Why all the rage about animal shows and acts, arenas and so on? Carnivals have about discarded this feature and now the circuses take it up seriously.
The following briefs are from Theo. Platt: "Irene Coffman, who has been spending the winter at her home in Jeffersonville, Ind., will be with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, doing her slack wire and rolling globe acts. Birdie Lagay and Grace Fox, who were with the Sells-Floto Circus in 1920, are now with the 'Ragtime Wonders' tabloid show. Kitty LaRock and Anna Don will not be with the white tops this season. Walter Cook and H. W. Williams will play trombone with the LaMont Bros. Show. The Donniker Sisters will again be with the Gentry Show performing on the tight wire."
Havre de Grace, Md., April 8. At this writing everything is practically in readiness for the opening of the Walter L. Main Circus here April 22. Claude Orton, in charge of the stock, had his four stables up this week. General superintendent Coy has had the big top up and stretched and it is being paraffined this week. This season two rows of quarter poles will be used and equestrian director Charles Sweeney has arranged a series of seven hippodrome races.
Car manager George E. Caron and his men left here Friday. Contracting press agent Charles Bernard has arrived from Savannah. The roster of the advance car is as follows: George E. Caron, manager; Charles Bernard, press agent; Elmer George, boss billposter; Wm. Claggett, Teddy Nichols, Jack Rae, Joe Horton, Ed Wood, W. J. Frawley, Sam Hansford, J. M. Carroll, Charles Levesque, billposters; John Moriarty, lithos; Clare Boyd and Jack Marcus, banners; Bob Strosberg, mailing list; Phil Marcus, programmer; Wilson Mahan, porter; A. H. LeVarne, chef. . . . William Wallett and family, who have been spending the winter at Henderson, N. C., arrived at quarters this week. Rose Wallett is perfecting some new tricks. William Wallett Jr., will also be with the act this season.
Cedar Crest, N. J., April 6. Frank Prescott, general agent of the Campbell Bros. Circus, is now laying out the route. He has been ahead of Kibble's "Tom" show during the past five months. George Irving will again have the side show, his fourth season with this show. Walter Allen is breaking the ponies and Henry Newmeyer is putting the cats through some new stunts. Russell Hall has worked up a strong dog act and has an airedale in the group.
Felix B. Adler, just off the Junior Orpheum Vaudeville Circuit, on which he did a single blackface turn, is an acrobatic clown as well. Opened with Ringling-Barnum Circus.
Fred Ledgett, equestrian dirctor of the John Robinson Circus, and Irene Montgomery, famous aerialist, were married in Peru, Ind., March 18. Mr. Ledgett is a survivor of the Hagenbeck-Wallace railroad wreck of four years ago, near Hammond, Ind. Miss Montgomery is one of the most finished and versatile artists of the circus world, having five different acts. She has been many seasons with the Sells-Floto Shows, also with the John Robinson Circus.
Billboard, April 22, 1922, pp. 64, 65, 67, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Max Gruber, with the Gran Circo Modelo in Mexico, submits a few notes, viz.: "This circus, owned and managed by Francisco Beas, has been the largest circus in Mexico for the past seven years, carrying a four pole top with a large menagerie. The show has elephants, camels, zebras, bears, kangaroos, monkeys, lions, tigers, pumas, etc., and many horses and ponies. Fourteen cars are used in transportation. The management has some excellent Mexican and foreign acts. With it is the Piechiani Troupe, on the Ringling-Barnum Circus last season. The Betts seals act will join in May. This show does not remain less than sixteen days in one town and in Mexico City it holds forth fifteen or more weeks. The show plays Tampico for fifteen days, starting April 10."
Roster of advertising car No. 1 of Christy Bros. Shows includes W. McCorkhill, manager; Thos. F. Ford, boss billposter; C. F. Fergeson, Bert Nolan, J. J. McConnell, Larry Endicott and B. C. Standish, billposters; Jack McDaniels, boss lithographer, with Bob Rock, assistant; C. E. Fellows and Dan Post, bannermen; W. M. Lee, chef; A. R. Arnold, mail agent; George Rock, porter; C. E. Fergeson, steward; Joe Casey, special agent.
Advance car No. 1 of Gollmar Bros. Circus: Emory D. Proffitt, car manager; Mike Fagan, boss billposter; Charles Patton, W. Brown and A. V. Fuller, lithographers; W. J. Wedge, H. R. Bilbro, L. J. Cluge, Sam Gramling, Ray Whalers, William J. Cronin, C. A. Mitchell, W. T. Burke, Joe Burke, P. S. Chew, Edwin B. Humes and William H. Springer, billposters; F. D. Curry and Jack McBriar, bannermen; Charles Thames, in charge of programs; Charles R. Black, chef, and J. D. Downie, porter.
Walter D. Nealand, last season press agent with the John Robinson Circus, has been engaged by Con T. Kennedy to fill a similar position with the Con T. Kennedy (carnival) Shows this year.
Frank Guyser, last season general utility man on the Rhoda Royal advertising car, has, through his untiring efforts, become a billposter. It is his ambition to have the management of a car.
Prince Elmer, of Tom Atkinson's Dog and Pony Show, informs that Mr. Atkinson is breaking some new acts - pony, liberty and high school mule - and that bandmaster Rogers has received some specially written music for the show. [Elmer E. Odell, midget, was known as Prince Elmer. He married Valletta G. Smith, also a midget, 1926. Milwaukee Sentinel, March 31, 1926, p. 9.]
Fred Coyle and Max Thorman worked as female impersonators on the track for the Yankee Circus at the Coliseum, Indianapolis. They will be with the John Robinson Circus this season.
Elmer C. Myers' famous Zula show will again be the pit show attraction with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus. Mr. and Mrs. Myers, now at Sparta, Ky., will soon leave for Lancaster, Mo., winter quarters of the show.
Freddie Biggs, again with the Sells-Floto Circus, attired in a stylish female costume, makes everyone sit up and take notice, and puts the audience in a good humor while waiting for the big show to begin.
J. A. Shropshire, who was to have joined Gollmar Bros. Circus, will not be able to do so on account of undergoing another operation, this third, on his eyes.
W. McFarland, side show manager of the John Robinson Circus, engaged Grace Geary to feature her beautifully costumed dancing act,"The Sun-Maid Glides," with the Robinson show.
Brigade agent Harry P. Bowman, of Cole Bros. Show, writes that while billing the show at Drakes Branch, Va., the advance met J. W. Wingo, and oldtime billposter, formerly with the Hagenbeck-Wallace and Sells & Downs shows. Wingo has a 500 acre farm, including a modern dairy, and has given up trouping.
The advance of Cole Bros. Show includes L. C. Gillette, general agent Bowman, and the following billposters: George Lackas, Harry Kelly and C. E. Paolis.
F. J. Frink, general agent of the Walter L. Main Circus, stated that a complete Radiophone plant has been installed on the advance cars of the Main Circus. The work was done at the instigation of and by Elmer George, who has charge of the paper on advertising car No. 2.
Cole Bros. Shows opened the season at Clover, S. C., April 1, with the following big show program: Fred Salmon, clown song, assisted by the clowns; Owen Lewis, with his military ponies; George Whittie, Jap foot slide; Mr. and Mrs. Morris, rolling globe and juggling; Owen Lewis, with his herd of elephants; Mr. and Mrs. Willie Clark, double trapeze act; clown frolic; Mrs. Morr's swinging wire act; Owen Lewis, with troupe of trained goats; clown tournament; Mrs. Clark and Harry Barrow, swinging ladder; Owen Lewis, with riding dogs and monkeys; Mrs. Morris, iron jaw; Geo. Whittie, bounding wire; Owen Lewis and his good-night pony, Shortie; Morris' Troupe of performing monkeys; Clark and Barrow, ring and trapeze act; Barr and Evans, comedy acrobats; Mrs. Morris and George Whittie, swinging perch; Owen Lewis and Fred Salmon, January act; Willie Clark, barrel foot juggling; Lewis troupe of dogs. Professor Esposito has the band, in which are George Starch, Jack Murray, Tony Rapini, Lorenzo Savastano, Dick Smith, William Wagner, Nick Delzotti, Nick Armamdo, Frances Velardi, Sam Papas, Thomas Gramegna and Arthur Mainelli. Cyclone, the unrideable mule, is featured in Chick Reed's concert. Professor Goldie has added many new attractions to his side show. Fred Salmon, with his banjo, helps Mr. Goldie in the front of the show. Lillian Lacey and Pearl Gordon furnish the entertainment in the Turkish Theater.
The staff: E. H. Jones, owner and manager; J. C. Kelly, legal adjuster; Doc Leon, treasurer and steward; Owen Lewis, equestrian director; Denny Helms, superintendent of canvas; Oscar Regan, boss of props; Frank Goldie, side show manager; Al J. Anderson, pit show; Mr. Crawford, superintendent of candy stands; Alex Soklove, in charge of concessions; C. Walker, master of transportation; Bear Jack, side show boss canvasman; T. H. Anderson, superintendent of lights; Pat Rolles, boss hostler; D. Helms, superintendent of tickets. - H. L. Morris (with the show)
The Glenn & Hatfield Shows, opening March 11 at Hennepin, Ok., have been playing the oil fields of Southern Oklahoma to good business. The show has been enlarged to ten wagons and two autos for passenger service. Casey Smith has the outside concessions and James Foster the juice and balloon privilege. Fred Melvin is the band leader. The show will play the western part of Oklahom, Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado. All of which is according to Fred Hatfield.
The Rose Kilian Shows are now in Mississippi, taking advantage of the modified license in that State. The show is headed North, and playing to fairly good business. This is now a 24-wagon show, with a two-wagon, four-people advance. The management is having a steel arena and wagons built for the purpose of working animal acts in the big show. The staff includes Mrs. Rose Kilian, sold owner; Otto Kilian, manager; Mabel Kilian, treasurer; Frank Belmont, manager of the annex and pit show. In the big show are Frank Belmont, equestrian director; Kilian Family, aerialists; Cowden Sisters, perch; Fred Simmons, clown and juggler; Fred Daller, mule hurdle; the Edwards, triple trapeze and casting act; Saunders and Smith, wire artists; Maggie and Mabel Kilian, equestriennes; Belmont's trained ponies and riding dogs and monkeys; Monte Saunder, clown; Otto Kilian, stilt dancer; Edwards, Kilian and Campbell, horizontal bar act; Paul Richards, rope spinner; Kilian troupe of performing dogs; Harry Degnan, balancing trapeze and general announcer. The musical program it taken care of by Larry Larrison's band, and Frank Belmont has a pneumatic calliope in the annex. - Harry Degnan (show representative)
Adolph Hess, known internationally as the greatest horse trainer, was found dead in his lodgings in New York City, April 12. Mr. Hess was appearing at Madison Square Garden with the Ringling-Barnum Circus, and had gone through the night performance a few hours previous to his demise as though enjoying the best of health. He was to report at the Garden Wednesday morning to rehearse a new horse act, and when he did not appear, Edward Nemo, a clown, went to his home. He was 40 years old, and had circus interests in Germany. His wife is now in Italy. Manual Herzog, also a famous horse trainer, has succeeded Mr. Hess.
Lyman Holden, one of the famous Lascelles Brothers, famed as acrobats in the '70s, passed away in the Municipal Home, E. St. John, N. B., Can., April 12, at the age of 72. There were two of the brothers, the other being F. F. Proctor, owner of a chain of vaudeville houses in the East. They toured this country and South America, as well as Europe, with various large circuses and in vaudeville. Holden went to St. John shortly after an injury caused him to retire from his professional career. During the last few years of his life he was in straitened circumstances. His remains were interred in the St. John Alms House premises April 13.
A. J. Mutzman, veteran circus trouper, died at Fairbury, Neb., April 6, of heart trouble. Mutzman was known to many in the circus world, having been connected with the Gollmar Bros. and Campbell Bros. circuses, besides a number of others. He leaves a widow, one child, father and three brothers. Funeral services were held at Fairbury, April 9.
Mr. Garcia, the top mounter in the Three Garcias act, and Rita West, Australian circus rider, were married recently.
Harry Rutley, an acrobat in the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus, and Trude Weidemann, a skater in the ice ballet at the Hippodrome, New York, were married April 12 in Jersey City, N. J. Miss Weidemann went to the Hippodrome with Charlotte on the latter's first appearance there about six years ago and has appeared in various capacities. Rutley has been with the circus for several seasons.
Billboard, April 29, 1922, pp. 64, 65, 66, 122. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
News From the South
The Rose Kilian Shows have purchased the wagon show from Chas. Long and added it to their shows. Mr. Long, who is a brother of Harry Long, agent, and brother-in-law of M. L. Clark, is having a show boat built at Houma, La., to play the bayous with pictures. It will be known as Long's Bull Frog Floating Palace.
The M. L. Clark & Son's Shows will not be on the road this season, having closed at Alexandria, La., March 7. Mr. Clark has leased to the King Bros., owners of the Great Sanger Show, all his animals and ponies. Mr. Clark, Ab Johnson, W. W. Clark, Bill Gardner and some of the band boys will be with the Sanger Show.
The Balancing Knights and Owens Brothers of the Clark Show joined the Montana Belle Wild West Show. This is a neat little wagon outfit which keeps inproving each season.
Lee Clark, of the M. L. Clark & Son's Show, is putting out a minstrel show on trucks and wagons from his home in Alexandria, La., to tour Louisiana and Mississippi.
Frank Allen and son have a good wagon outfit that travels through Louisiana and Arkansas out of Shreveport, La.
A. G. Frazee, for years agent for Tom Wiedeman, is in the manufacturing business and also owns the Alexandria (La.) Poster Advertising Compnay with Mac Waldon, formerly agent for the Clark & Son's Show, in charge. Eddie V. Camp, of the Barnes Show; Hi Wallace, high diver, and Hugh McCullough, 24-hour man, formerly of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, are now selling merchandise.
The writer, who was agent for the Clark show until it closed, and formerly with the Wheeler Bros. Show, has joined the advance of the Kilian shows, having been here before in the same capacity. - H. D. Carney (general agent, Kilian Shows)
The Three Petersons write that they have left the Mighty Haag Show.
Jack Frost, the "whistle" man, is again with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show.
The Only Senft, aerial artist, is booked with the LaMont Bros. Show.
Harry L. Morris and Cleve Gill, the "Texas" Giantess, are with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
Frank B. Pratt, who was a billposter with the John Robinson Circus in 1886, is now in the restaurant business in Ironton, O.
S. Steinhauser, assistant to Blackie Williams on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus for several years, will be Williams' assistant on the John Robinson Circus this season.
Abe Goldstein writes that the Rhoda Royal Show closed in Montgomery, Ala., for repairs, and that he is now with Gollmar Bros. Show, working the "come-in" and doing "cop."
Wm. Victor Nethken (Buckskin Bill) informs that the first steel animal arena that he ever saw in America was Col. Boone's, for his lions and boar hounds, season 1891, with the Great Adam Forepaugh Shows, under the management of James E. Cooper.
Pewee, the acrobatic clown, will be one of the joeys with the Patterson Trained Wild Animal Circus.
Houston, Tex., April 21. Following a showing April 15 and 17, Gentry Bros. Circus and Wild Animal Arena started its 1922 road tour, Galveston being the first stop. The show wintered here. Fifteen cars are used to transport it, says Jake Newman, part owner.
Mrs. Dell Knowlton, in a letter to The Billboard, writes that she and her husband, Col. Dell Knowlton, are in desparate circumstances, on account of the helpless condition of Mr. Knowlton, and appeal to the profession for aid. Mrs. Knowlton's letter explains the circumstances: "Col. Knowlton, one of the oldest troupers now in the business, is critically ill at Catoosa, Ok. He was stricken with paralysis of the entire left side the first of February and is in a helpless condition. He has exhausted all his means. The Colonel started in the business in 1859 with the George F. B. Bailey Circus and Menagerie, after which he trouped with the following shows: Van Amburg's Original Golden Menagerie, John O'Brien's Circus and Menagerie, Original Howe's Longon, Adam Forepaugh, G. G. Grady, L. B. Lents, Dan Rice, Sells Bros. Seven Elephant Show, W. H. Harris Neckel Plate, Cooper & Jackson, Holland & Gollmar, Ringling, Buffalo Bill's Wild West, Stetson's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' Mason & Mingan's 'Tom' Show, Bronson Bros.' 'Tom' Show, York's 'Tom' Show and then his own 'Tom' Show."
Patterons Animal Circus. Paola, Kan., April 20. Anyone is struck by the immense tract of land used for the housing and building of the Patterson enterprises. There are ninety acres, and about five of the ninety acres are roofed. At one end of the quarters has been erected a steel housing that covers a width of four railroad tracks, and is 500 feet in length. Although open on all sides, it is possible to continue the painting of the cars whatever the caprice the weather takes. The building that houses the carnival properties is an immense structure, and was at one time a factory for the American Radiator Company, employing 1,000 men. All about the grounds stand completed wagons, covered and ready for the opening. Right now Fred Buchanan and Mr. Patterson are busy putting the finishing touches to the circus, which opens in Paola on April 22. The hotels at Paola are crowded, and rooms at a premium, but the town is happy, as Rodney Harris' band plays every night until 12 for free dances. The Patterson Carnival opens a week later than the circus. Paola will never lose Mr. Patterson. His interest extends to two of the local banks. He owns a 100 room hotel, as well as his home, Walnut Inn. - Gardner Wilson (press agent)
Fred Powell, 50, veteran trouper, who was with the Walter L. Main and old Sells Bros. circuses and Richard Pringle's Minstrels at various times, died recently at his home in Macon, Ga. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Macon.
Hugh F. Wood, formerly well known in the outdoor show world, died at Nashville, Tenn., April 13, of heart trouble. Twenty years ago the deceased with his three brothers, Al, Ray and George, organized the Wood Brothers' Shows, which they operated for a number of years. For the past ten years Mr. Wood conducted a barber shop in Nashville. He leaves his mother and two brothers, George, of Nashville, and Ray, a clown on the Christy Brothers Circus. Interment was in Franklin, Ky., where he was born.
Ray Daley and LaCell Hoey, of the Christy Brothers Circus, were married in Amarillo, Tex., April 17.
Billboard, May 6, 1922, pp. 64, 65, 66, 67, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
San Francisco, April 27. An unexpected change in the executive staff of the Al G. Barnes Circus was made immediately following the show's departure from this city after a six days' engagement ending April 23, when manager and general agent Murray A. Pennock returned ahead of the show for the purpose of breaking in new territory. Pennock was succeeded by "Captain" Harley Tyler, who joined the show here, and upon the former's departure assumed the duties of manager for the balance of the season. Although Pennock has been manager of the Barnes Circus since the season's opening, he never has relinquished the title of general agent, which he has held for a number of years. Due to the fact that the Barnes show expects to break in much new territory during the present season, coupled with Pennock's long experience ahead of the wild animal aggregation, a post he originally held, it is expected that his efforts in the show's behalf will largely contribute toward making the 1922 season a record one. "Captain" Tyler is well known in the outdoor show world and recently has been operating a large pleasure park at Kansas City, Mo.
Montgomery, Ala., April 27. The case of the Rhoda Royal Shows, alleged bankrupts, was dismissed by Judge Henry D. Clayton on the ground of lack of territorial jurisdiction in the case. The property of the shows was turned over to its owners by the receiver, M. Hugh Stuart, in pursuance of the order. The case was dismissed after it had been shown that the alleged bankrupts, Rhoda Royal, Harry Hunt and D. C. Hawn, owners of the Rhoda Royal Shows, had not had their place of business in the Middle District of Alabama for the time required by law. The report submitted to Judge Clayton by M. S. Carmichael, special master in the case, stated that the show has no home, but moves from place to place. The petition seeking to have the Rhoda Royal Shows adjudged bankrupt was filed by J. S. Muckle and fifteen others.
Pittsburg, Kan., April 28. The Frisco Meteor, southbound, crashed into the rear sleeper of Patterson's Trained Wild Animal Circus at the Girard siding early Tuesday morning and as a result one showman was killed and seven men injured. The show was on its way to Pittsburg. Neither the wrecked sleeper nor the engine of the Meteor was derailed, and none of the fast train's crew was injured. Pleas (Blackie) Hart, show electrician, of Wapello, Ia., about 40 years of age, was killed. The injured are: Albert Gelston, Derry, Pa., show employee, broken bone and fractured shoulder bone; Walter Agar, colored boy, show employee of Chickasha, Ok., internal injuries; J. S. Moore, show blacksmith, Omaha, Neb., slight scalp injuries, broken leg and probable internal injuries; Chas. W. Woodcock, show cook, Kokomo, Ind., bruises; Charley Nielsen and Henry E. Good, also members of the show, slight injuries; Ernest L. Monroe, K. C. S. conductor, bruises. Gelston is considered the most seriously injured. . . .
Arthur Borella, clown, is in his third season with the Sells-Floto Circus.
Sheldon Graves will play trombone with LaMont Bros. Circus band this season.
Willie Clark, foot juggler, and Mrs. Angelie Clark, on the flying ladders, are with the Cole Bros. Shows.
Harry Tritch, acrobat, left Canton, O., last week for New York to join the Charles Siegrist troupe with the Ringling-Barnum Circus.
Jimmie Daniels and Charles Fulton have signed with Richardson Bros. Circus. Daniels is putting on a minstrel stunt for the concert and Fulton is featuring his bag punching act.
S. P. Bowman, one of the oldest side show performers and managers, will be with the white tops this season. He returned to the States last fall from a ten year trip of the Orient and the Far East, featuring his one-man magical show, and opened at Harry Thurston's Museum on South State street, Chicago, September 17, doing punch, magic and lecturing.
E. R. Rawlings (Splash), clown, lost his 4-year-old daughter, Anna May, who was fatally burned while playing with matches April 8 at East Liverpool, O. In the past thirteen months "Splash" has lost his wife and two children. He advises that he and his boy will be back in the business this season and will be known as Emmett and Buster Splash. The older Splash clowned with the John Robinson, Barnum & Bailey, Ringling Bros., Walter L. Main and the Cole Shows.
Jimmy Dooley, formerly with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, is in charge of the Sells-Floto elephants. Archie Dunlap is boss animal man, and has charge of the menagerie with the John Robinson Circus. Oscar Voght, formerly elephant man with the Ringling show, has retired and now conducts an automobile trucking business at Coney Island. Harry Mooney, for sixteen years with Barnum & Bailey, has a mule and pony act in vaudeville, and Walter Allen, formerly boss bullman with Gentry and Andrew Downie, is in business at Bloomington, Ind.
J. Wellington Roe, who has been until recently press representative with Miller Bros. Exposition, is now on the staff of Gollmar Bros. Circus, according to a communication from Evansville, Ind. Mr. Roe is handling press between contracting press agent Frank O'Donnell and press back on the show, which is in charge of George Farr, a Birmingham (Ala.) theatrical and newspaper man. The position of middle press is a new one, created by Danny Odom, manager of the circus, and is meeting with success and approval as it keep the show in constant touch with the newspapers.
After polishing the rough spots with a week on the road, playing to fair business, the Wheeler Bros. Shows, under the management of Fred Elzor, opened a ten-day engagement at the new Coliseum, Oklahoma City, April 12, for India Temple Shrine, showing to more than 60,000 people. The roster includes Fred Elzor, manager; Frank Jones, treasurer; Al Hicks, general agent with four assistants; Bob McKinney, brigade agent with three assistants; Jack LeVere, side show manager; A. H. Cooper, pit show manager and oriental department; Ed Garland, superintendent of privileges and reserved seat tickets with four assistants; Robt. Cook, superintendent of transportation; Joe Dempsey, big show tickets; Frank Leonard, equestrian director; Prof. Chas. Van, band leader; Joe Dempsey, superintendent of canvas, with Indian Pete assistant; Frank Murphy, superintendent of seats; Harry Moss, superintendent side show canvas; Tim Murphy, pit show canvas; Rab Faries, boss hostler; Slim Regan, boss of props. Al F. Wheeler is not connected with the show this season.
In the big show program are: Prof. Leonard's troupe of twelve ponies in a military drill; clown song by Roy Leonhart; Aggie Johnson, single trapeze; August Kenerva, head balancing on trapeze; Frank Leonard's performing elephants; Roy Leonhart and Jim Greer, contortionists; Bill Farmer and clowns, in the "Hickville Dancing Master"; August Kanerva, head and hand balancing; Leonard's trick ponies; Roy Leonhart, one-man baseball burlesque; Dainty Little Bit, iron jaw butterfly act; Aerial Johnsons, casting act and loop walking; clown tournament; Prof. Leonard's dogs, featuring Lady, the wonder; Dainty Little Bit, combination rings and traps, featuring loop-the-loop; Leonard's riding dogs and monkeys; Bill Farmer, comedy swinging slack wire; menage act, Frank Leonard's dancing horse, Virginia Boy; Dainty Little Bit, flying ladder; Wm. Johnson, swinging perch; Kanerva and Leonhart, comedy acrobats; Bob Cook's January mule kicks.
Side show lineup: Prof. Levere, punch and magic; Bessie Adams, bag punching; Fay and Al Cooper, impalement act; Blanche Leonhart, mind reading second sight; Nellie Hall, sword walker; Babe Dempsey, musical artist; Jack Levere, ventriloquist; Fay Cooper and Bessie Adams, oriental dancers. Pit show: Al Cooper, manager; Blanche Speaker, alligators; Fay Cooper, porcupines; Bessie Adams, snakes and monkeys; Capybara, midget horse; gila monsters. - Al H. Cooper (press agent)
Chicago, April 27. William R. Naylor framed the radio to boost the Sells-Floto Circus during its engagement in the Coliseum last week. He arranged for George L. Myers, assistant equestrian director, to read into the radio, stories of the circus written by himself and Courtney Ryley Cooper, at the children's half hour of the Edison Radio distributing center, which were broadcasted.
The Clark & Shropshire Show, owned and managed by L. G. (Rome) Shropshire, consists of twelve baggage wagons, three cages, four sleeping wagons, six touring cars and a Delco light plant on a truck. Business through Alabama has been good. Mr. Shrophsire expects to tour Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and the Carolinas. Professor Karl has charge of the side show, featuring Babe LaBara. The band of eight pieces is under the direction of Jack Wells. - Robert Mack (for the show)
Merritt Lynn Belew, chief horse trainer with the Al G. Barnes Circus, and Ione Nita Buchanan, professionally known as "Blondie," equestrienne with the Barnes show, were married in the office of Justice of the Peace A. T. Barnett in San Francisco, April 19.
Jake Friedman, side show manager with the Christy Bros. Circus, and Helen Myrtle Anderson, vaudeville artist, professionally known as Billie Wilson, were married at Vernon, Tex., April 22.
Billboard, May 13, 1922, pp. 64, 65, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Atterbury Bros. Wagon Shows opened the season at Clontarf, Minn., April 29, to big business. Arthur Walsh and wife arrived from Buffalo, N. Y., just in time to take charge of all the privileges. Mr. Bruce and wife, in charge of the pit show, were water bound, but arrived in time for the opening. Curley Prickett has taken charge of elephant and animals. Mr. and Mrs. Hayden have charge of the concert. - W. A. Allen (agent for the show)
Johnny Parker is with the Great Sanger Show this season.
Buster Cronin is handling the advertising banners on the John Robinson Circus. The brigade of the John Robinson Circus consists of R. T. Morgan, manager, assisted by Nat Goodwin, Walter Davis, Dave Trangett and Eddie Stendahl.
For the first time in forty-six years C. A. Giovanni will not go out with a circus this season. He will remain at home to help his brother, who is in business. During his spare time he will train dogs, monkeys and cockatoos.
Fred Landes has signed with the Atkinson Show to present his bird act and handle the inside for Mr. Atkinson. The latter is now out lining up fairs for the fall season, according to Prince Elmer with the show.
Mamie Ward is doing some excellent work in the big Flying Ward act with the John Robinson Circus, one of her feature tricks being a complete double somersault from flying bar to catcher. She also does singles and half twisters and neat perouettes to hands and bar.
George N. Booth, musician, for many years with the Barnum & Bailey Show, died suddenly at Danbury, Conn., a short time ago. Mr. Booth traveled with George and Charles Fry as the Fry Brothers. Surviving are his mother and one sister. He was about 55 years old.
Adam Gillespie, 74, old-time circus musician, died at the Calais Hospital, Calais, Me., late last month of heart trouble. Mr. Gillespie was a gifted musician and for a decade of years had led the band with the Frank A. Robbins Circus. Later he was employed as manager of the Al Wheeler Circus for four years.
George W. Pierson, musician with the old Barnum wagon show in the '60s, died at the Soldiers' Home, Norton Heights, Conn., recently. A few years after the Civil War he was orchestra leader at Robert's Opera House and Joe Newton's Varieties, Hartford, Conn., his home town, and also played in Colt's Band there.
Mrs. Emma Rehn, 64, formerly of the Sells Brothers, Barnum & Bailey and Ringling Brothers circuses, died at the Clara Barton Hospital, Los Angeles, April 28. She is survived by a son, George, and a daughter, Emma. Interment was in Sawtelle, Calif.
Billboard, May 20, 1922, pp. 62, 63 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, improved and larger than last season, is doing good business. Several new dens of animals have been added to the menagerie, and another "bull" to the herd of performing elephants. With the show are Harry Phillips, boss hostler; Pony Red, trainmaster; J. Miller tickets; Al Langdon, elephants; Al McLoud, wife and son, and Hank Linten and wife, in the Wild West; Arthur Green, front door; Babe Green, big show; Robert Wood, clown; Ladora Family, Conley Troupe, George Clark and wife, Rube Perkins, Whitler Troupe, Blacky Banks and Billie Woody, in the big show. Daddy Gaston is in clown alley. Floyd has the band and Al Conlon the side show. - Robert Woody (for the show)
The No. 1 advertising car of the John Robinson Circus is equipped with electric lights, shower baths, hot and cold running water, and the newest and most popular invention, the Radio. The roster: William M. Roddy, manager; Allen Lester Jones, secretary; Bob Hickey, press agent; Grover Hill, boss billposter; W. E. Claire, assistant boss billposter; Glen C. Grant, C. R. Staver, Tom East, Joe Burke, Phil Weidenkopf, W. J. Hemphill, Chas. Friedenburger, M. J. Kellum, W. T. Burke, J. H. Gearhart, James Hullinger and Oscar Decker, billposters; A. V. Fuller, boss lithographer and steward; C. S. Fulton, Benj. Blieden and C. M. McGreevy, lithographers; John Pyne, bannerman; Roy Burroughs, paste maker; Lacey Hullinger, chef; H. Richardson, programmer.
Chicago, May 11. "Whitey" Lehrter, who closed with the Patterson Trained Wild Animal Circus as boss canvasman this week, has signed with the Walter L. Main Circus in the same capacity, and he and Mrs. Lehrter will leave at once for Orange, N. J. to join the show.
The seats of the Rose Kilian Show fell at Haleyville, Ala., May 3, just before the first act of the performance and several people were injured, according to The Birmingham (Ala.) News. Following the accident the performance went on as usual, the seats being put up again.
Christy Bros. Wild Animal Shows are in their tenth week, with no days lost, and business good in spite of rain, inform the James, who are in their fourth season on the show. Mrs. Maybelle James recently received a beautiful dress which she wears when opening the show with a singing number, seated on an elephant's head. There are forty singers in the chorus. E. James has the band of sixteen musicians; Little Harry James, six-year-old trap drummer, holds down No. 2 band in the parade, and Mrs. James plays the air calliope.
Dover, O., May 11. Billy Lorette and Doc Keene, clowns with the John Robinson Circus, informed a representative of The Billboard here last Saturday that this would be their last season with a circus. They are planning an original clown turn, to be copyrighted and to be featured at parks, indoor circuses and fairs.
H. G. (Dad) Harrison, 77, for many years a trouper with circus and carnival organizations, died May 4 at the home of E. H. Monroe in Wolfe City, Tex., following a stroke of paralysis.
Anton Kohler, one of the oldest musicians in Erie, Pa., died at his home in that city May 8, following an illness of several weeks. The deceased was a concert leader of ability and was one of the members of the old Dan Rice Circus band.
Edward T. Stanley, 55, known in outdoor show circles, dropped dead at Exchange and Washington streets, Buffalo, N. Y., May 10. A medical examination disclosed that death was due to heart failure. At the time of his death Mr. Stanley was advance press agent for the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and was in Buffalo arranging publicity for the show, which plays there the latter part of this month. His home was in Ogden, Utah. The Elks' Lodge, of which Mr. Stanley was a member, took charge of his remains and shipped them to Ogden, where funeral services will be held. He leaves his widow.
"Bones" Hartzell, clown with the John Robinson Circus, is suing for divorce in Dayton, O., his home town. He preferred charges of desertion.
Billboard, May 27, 1922, pp. 62, 63, 64, 65, 122. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
San Francisco, May 19. Howe's Great London Circus, which opened at Redwood City a few weeks ago, will shortly be enlarged from ten to twenty-five cars, according to word that reached here Monday. Since its opening the business of the little show has been so good that its owners, M. E. Golden, Milt Runkle and Charles Adams, have decided upon the enlargement which will make it an organization capable of playing the large metropolitan spots. The enlargement will mean additional animals, side show attractions and greatly augmented personnel.
A carload of animals was received by the Christy Bros. shows at Norton, Kan., the shipment including polar bears, wild board, seven pumas, a camel and an elephant. Manager G. W. Christy recently bought five fine spotted horses in Western Kansas.
Chicago, May 17. Frank Braden has closed with the Al G. Barnes Circus as press representative and signed with the Sells-Floto Circus as press agent back with the show. He will join the show in Elizabeth, N. J. tomorrow.
Ten more cars will be added to the Sells-Floto Circus, making forty cars in all. The additional cars consist of three coaches, two stocks, four flats, and another advertising car. These, along with twenty-eight head of baggage horses, six cages, two tableau wagons, two stringer wagons, one stable wagon, one rigging wagon and six elephants, will be shipped from Peru, Ind., on Wednesday morning of this week by special movement to Boston, where they will be added to the show when it appears there next week.
New York, May 18. D. C. Hawn, who for a number of years has been connected with the Rhoda Royal Circus as Mr. Royal's superintendent, stated that he had severed his connection with the Rhoda Royal Circus and for the present was stopping in this city until some position with one of the white tops may develop.
Prince Elmer, with Tom Atkinson's Dog and Pony Show, purchased a miniature automobile for the dog and fire department act.
Kerry Meagher, old-time circus man, for many years with the Western Vaudeville Managers' Association, is retiring from business.
Clown alley on Patterson's Animal Circus has many old-time joeys: Bill Langer, Bob Nelson, Pewee, Lew Hershey, Harry Mick, Harry Mandeville, Frank DeRue and brother, Phinas and Aida, George LeRoy and Mark Alexander, producing clown.
Prince Elmer informs that Tom Atkinson's Dog, Pony and Monkey Show, which has been with the J. F. Murph (carnival) Shows, is now with Snapp Bros. (carnival) Shows. Prince Elmer, who was press agent and producing clown on the Atkinson Show, will remain with the J. F. Murphy Shows, handling the press, and the midget village.
S. B. Anderson, wife and four-year-old child, Edison Anderson, and Gene Tracy and wife, of Anderson's Dog, Pony, Vaudeville and Wild West (one-ring circus), were visitors at the home offices of The Billboard May 15. The show is using six trucks and two autos in transporting the organization. The outfit is now in Kentucky and will later play Ohio and West Virginia territory. A. J. Anderson is handling the advance.
Fostoria, O., May 17. Three persons were severely injured and scores suffered minor hurts here Friday night when the reserve seat section of La Roy's Motorized Circus collapsed, throwing 600 persons into a heap. The crowd in the tent was in a panic for a time. The fact that the seats gave away slowly is believed to have prevented serious injuries and possibly deaths. It was the initial stand for the newly organized outfit.
After finishing a ten-day engagement at Oklahoma City, Wheeler Bros. Show took the road through Oklahoma and Kansas and encountered some of the worst rain and windstorms in years. As a result business was not very good. An accident occurred at Kiowa, Kan., April 24, when a guy line on the rigging of Dainty Little Bit's revolving act broke, throwing her to the ground. She fractured a rib and sprained shoulder. The show encountered a cyclone at Colby, Kan., May 10, and lost the day, but without loss to property. Bill Farmer, producing clown, has sprung a new and original rube walk-around gag, entitled "The Radio Nut," with a complete radio receiving set attached to his ear. The show is not at the first stand in Nebraska. Prof. Van now has fourteen pieces in the band, the lineup consisting of Chas. Van, Ed Bressler, Tom Nixon, Walter Adams, Geo. Sievers, Jim Greer, Chas Perry, Sam Bates, John McHenry, George King, Henry Stone, Chick Walworth, Bill Aylard and Jack Levere. Al H. Cooper is now legal adjuster with the show, succeeding Chas. C. Clark. Wheeler Bros. Show expects to have the longest season in the history of the show, as it is contracted for nine weeks of indoor shows under Shrine auspices, beginning about November 15. A. H. Cooper (press agent)
Josh Billings, manager of the advertising car of Patterson's Trained Wild Animal Circus, has gone to Gollmar Bros. Circus as special agent.
Vernon Reever, contracting agent of the Al G. Barnes Circus, has closed with that show.
Capt. John Creech, Durant, Ok., giant, passed through Chicago on his way to join the Sells-Floto Circus side show.
Wilton, Wis., May 17. The H. r. J. Miller Circus will take to the road some time this month with a number of new animal acts. The big show will be housed under a 60 foot round top with two thirty foot middle pieces. The side show is covered by a 50 foot top and has a 50 foot banner front. Several head of new stock have been purchased and are being put through daily drills in the ring barn by manager Miller. Trainers are busy breaking bears, monkeys, dogs, goats and Miller's high school horses, including "Billy, the talking horse." The wagons and props have received the last coat of paint. Eight wagons will be used in moving the show, all trucks having been eliminated. Emil A. Arp (for the show)
Campbell Bros. Circus and Trained Wild Animal Exhibition opened the season at Tuckerton, N. J., April 29, to good business. Manager J. H. Barry has engaged a number of high-class artists, and also has trained dogs, ponies, monkeys, elephants and a group of lions. George Irving, orator and official announcer, has charge of the wild animal show, museum, curiosity and novelty annex, and does magic and Punch and Judy. In the big show are Walter Allen, equestrian director, aerialist, mule hurdle rider and clown; Russell Hall, ringmaster, with his talking pony, trained dogs, trick ponies and riding dogs; Mlle. Dolla, aerial iron jaw butterfuly; Master Walter, Roman flying rings and loop walking; Captain Henry Newmeyer, with his trained elephants and lions; Miss Junita, swinging ladder and contortion; Mr. Kenneth, trapeze and Spanish web; Miss LaTow, rolling globe, juggling and drum major; Kent and White, comedy revolving ladder. Allen, Hanley and White keep the audience in laughter with their clown numbers. Prof. Frank P. Meister has a band of fourteen pieces. Mr. Lessinger has charge of the canvas. Harry Stabley [Stahley?], electrician, has the fronts and tents illuminated to perfection. Harry Dalvine has charge of the concessions, and Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Neal have charge of the dining and sleeping cars. Frank Prescott and Art Keene have routed and billed the show. - Franklin (with the show)
Samuel Nelson, formerly with the Nelson Family of acrobats and for many years a clown with numerous large circuses, died May 14 at the home of his sister, 1230 S. Clinton avenue, Trenton, N. J.
John DeAlma, veteran circus trouper, died in Chicago, Tuesday, May 16, of heart disease. Mr. DeAlma had trouped with practically every large circus, including Scribner & Smith and Walter L. Main Shows, during his long career. Mr. DeAlma was 70 years old at the time of his death. Besides his career with the large tented attractions, Mr. DeAlma had a dog and pony circus of his own on the road, which enjoyed a good measure of success for ten or more years. The success of his animal show stamped the deceased as a trainer of more than usual patience and ability. In his early days Mr. DeAlma was an acrobat, coming from a family of acrobats whose names were known throughout the country. For a number of years Mr. DeAlma served in the employ of the Columbia Amusement Company and for a year had been superintendent of the Haymarket Theater Building in Chicago. He is survived by his widow. He was held in high esteem by Sam Scribner, president of the Columbia Amusement Company. Funeral services were held in Chicago.
Billboard, June 3, 1922, pp. 62, 63, 64, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
When Howe's Great London Circus arrived in Fort Bragg, Calif., Sunday, May 14, it had accomplished a feat that was never before attempted by any circus. When Messrs. Golden, Runkle and Adams, who own the circus, first gave out the information about making this trip, a storm of protest arose. Showmen and railroad officials alike said that it was an impossibility and that they would come to grief if they attempted it, as the C. & N. W. road is the most crooked road in the U. S. A. The curves are so sharp that they have special-made cars to operate on their road, and the circus, with its 70 and 80 foot cars would never make it. Only after Mr. Golden agreed to exonerate the railroad from all blame whatsoever did it finally agree to transport the circus at points along the road. They had to run in two-car sections, and at the break of day, as the first two cars arrived in Fort Bragg, they were greeted by the populace, which turned out in a body to see the first circus train that has ever arrived there. It was the banner house of the season. On the run back to Monday's town one of the cars jumped the track and the show arrived in Healdsburg May 15 at 11 o'clock in the morning. The matinee was a little late, but the night show got off on time. At Petaluma, May 16, D. Hallalan, of San Francisco paid the show a visit. At Santa Rosa Mr. Golden has his apple ranch located just outside of the city limites, and was host to his neighbors. At Napa, the manager of the local picture theater acted unprofessionally, as he tried his best to have the parade canceled, but failed. The Howe Show was the first big circus to visit Sulsun. Charles T. Boulware, manager, has broken in six hurdle horses, and put them in the big show performance. Three new cages have been added to the menagerie, also two brown bears and ten monkeys. Wildhorse Mike Brahm has added four new bronks to his Wild West concert. - Chy Alexander (press agent)
Doc (Frank) Stuart, press agent with the Sells-Floto Circus, has closed with that organization and is back in Chicago. Doc left the show in Wilmington, Del.
A. B. (Judge) Palmer, with the Sells-Floto Circus, married Lilian (Lola) P. Haight, of the same show. The ceremony took place during the engagement at Elizabeth, N. J., May 18, when the pair quietly slipped over to Newark, where the knot was tied. Mr. Palmer has been with the Sells-Floto Circus for the past two seasons as superintendent of side show front door, coming from the John Robinson Circus, with which he had been connected in a like capacity for several seasons past. Miss Haight is a big show artiste and has been with the Sells-Floto Circus for the past three season.
Savoi LaStarr and wife are back on the Richard Bros. Circus.
Sunshine Clark Hanks, equestrienne, formerly with the Buffalo Bill and 101 Ranch Shows, has joined the Wild West on the John Robinson Circus.
Millard F. Thurston, for many years secretary to the board of managers of the Missouri School for Deaf, who recently was given a year's leave of absence to regain his health, has joined the advance car of the Sparks circus.
James H. Gray, one-time partner of Lily [sic] Sells in the Sells-Gray Shows, is now in the real estate business in Los Angeles, Calif. Fred Buchanan, this year with the Patterson Circus, is a brother-in-law of Gray's.
Leon W. Washburn recently sold his motion picture theater in Chester, Pa. Leon W. Washburn still "carries on," although he has to take a nurse with him when he goes to his office.
Arthur Burson is now with Gentry Bros. Show, doing his high slack wire and balancing trapeze acts, also a high tight wire act as a free attraction.
The Bonham & Hall Combined Circus opened at Praire du Sac, Wis., May 16. George W. Hall Jr., of Evansville, Wis., has charge of the Overland auto-truck outfit, carrying about twenty-five people. This is Bonham's first season, but George Hall always brings a show back with the bacon, says Frank H. Thompson. Skeleton Metz is producing clown and also does four single acts.
Advance car No. 1 of the Christy Bros. Shows, in charge of Walter McCorkhill, has the following crew: Tom Ford, boss billposter; Joe Cassey, special agent; Chas. Ferguson, Jack McDaniels, Gilbert Rock, Sidney Vatter, Ed Galin, W. B. Nolan, billposters; Fred Hansen, paste maker. Dan G. Hoffman, contracting agent, visited the car while it was in Billings, Mont., May 23.
J. D. McLaughlin in former years was a contortionist, having been with Spaulding, Dan Castello and other circuses. In those days he was known as Master Rivers. McLaughlin will be one of the stage hands at Fontaine Ferry Park in Louisville this summer.
Cal Cohen, who has been trouping since 1874, writes from Culver City, Calif.: "After ten years' separation from my three daughters, we are once more united. My girls are now married, the youngest daughter, Ruth, being the wife of Alfred Wolff, auditor of the Al G. Barnes Circus, and trouping with the sawdust folks. I have her baby girl here with me. My other daughters are with me in the movies, and we also play vaudeville dates occasionally, putting on those old Negro comedies."
The Wheeler Bros. Show is now in its eighth week. Business through Nebraska was just fair, owing to very bad wind and rain storms. Edgemont, May 22, was the first stand in South Dakota. Three cages of animals (pumas, tigers and bears) have been added to the side show, making eight cages of animals now being carried. Mrs. Fred Elzor and son Robert, wife and son of manager Fred Elzor, arrived on the show at McCook, Neb., May 13, after a visit from Garland, Pa., their home town. O'Day Bros. comedy bar act, have been added to the big show performance. - A. H. Cooper (press agent)
William A. Baxter, 45, a former exhibition rider for the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show, was killed near his home in Pueblo, Col., May 23, when he was thrown from his horse. The deceased is said to have been one of the few men who could ride a galloping horse and shoot glass balls at the same time.
Mrs. Leona Dare, 67, who risked her life in numerous balloon ascensions in various parts of the globe, died in Spokane, Wash., after a four months' illness. Mrs. Dare, whose maiden name was Leona Adelaide Stuart, was widely known in the '70s and '80s as a member of circuses. She at one time appeared in the Folies Bergere in Paris. During her daring career she met with several serious accidents, but did not retire until over 40 years of age. She was twice married.
Billboard, June 10, 1922, pp. 60, 61. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Chicago, June 3. It became known here yesterday that the management of the John Robinson Circus has decided to abandon the contemplated Canadian tour on account of unsettled business conditions in the smaller cities of the Dominion where the circus expected to touch. Instead, more towns in Ohio and Indiana will be played to fill up the gap left by the Canadian cancelation. However, the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, a member of the same group of shows, will enter Canada next Monday. The latter circus is headed for the big cities of Canada, where the conditions viewed as unfavorable do not prevail to a serious degree.
When Christy Bros. Circus arrived in Torrington, Wy., Sunday, May 21, to show there, the city authorities notified the management that a city ordinance forbade any paid admission amusements of any kind to be held there on the Sabbath. The show management tried to persuade the Torrington authoritiees to let the show go ahead, inasmuch as it had been widely advertised for that date, but they refused. However, there was a way out. The show management announced to the crowd that there would be no admission charge to the show, but that everyone would be expected to contribute 50 cents as a free-will offering as they passed through the gate. In this way the circus management escaped violating the letter of the law, and the Torrington authorities conceded that they had been outwitted.
The Kretz Bros. One-Ring Circus, which opened April 23 at Sinking Springs, Pa., has been doing good business, according to Frank Kretz. This is a new overland show, with many oldtimers on it. At 70 foot top, with a 40 foot middle piece, is used for the big show. Twelve dapple grays, in charge of Jim Horn, move the show. It is the intention of the management to stay out until late in November. Roster of the show: Frank Kretz, part owner and treasurer; Harry (Pete) Heilman, part owner and manager; Bright Jones, advance agent with one assistant; Jim Horn, boss hostler with three assistants; Peg Rohn, boss canvasman with five assistants; Frank McCoy, band leader with these musicians, Harry Price, Dick Night, Elmer Smith, John Dunn, H. Heilman, Spicks Gendy, Mrs. Night; Claude Kemp, equestrian director; Arthur F. Garr, side show manager; Bill Carter, cook.
W. J. Daplyn, who had the advertising banners with the Sparks, Gollmar, Robinson's Famous and other shows before the World War, returned to the States three weeks ago. He was a lieutenant in the English army. Daplyn will again engaged in the banner business.
The Gollmar Bros. Circus has been doing good business. A hail storm followed the evening performance at Colorado Spring, Col. The circus played day and date with the Wortham Show in Pueblo, Col. Bill Stiles, clown, is putting on soem good walkarounds (four in number) and is working on a new one. Charles Normberg and the writer are working the come-in, the former doing female impersonation on the track, and myself clown cop. The clown band is getting laughs in the parade. Joe Greer is working his mule act in the big show. Charles Berry has the show running smoothly. - Abe Goldstein (for the show)
Bright Jones has left the Foster Bros. Motorized Circus to handle the advance of the Kretz Bros. One-Ring Circus.
Raleigh Davidson, tractor driver, writes that he has left the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, and is at his home in French Lick, Ind., driving a taxi.
C. W. Sells, clown, said that he has given up his position with a tobacco concern and will troupe again.
While playing at Medina, Tenn., Juggling Raymond, baton juggler, visited Taylor Bros. & Stokes' Motorized Shows.
Bob and Olive Nelson are with the Patterson Circus. Bob doing Jewish clown, and Olive contortion. Nelson informs that Eddy Dorey recently joined clown alley.
Albert Gaston, veteran clown, is with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus. The show is fitted out with a new canvas, says Gaston. Ten joeys are in clown alley.
John Gleason, who has been with the Mugivan & Bowers Shows in past seasons, is this year at Coney Island Park, Cincinnati. He is mechanic for George W. Bennett, who has the Penny Arcade.
Sam Freed, circus veteran, now managing the Central Park Theater, Schenectady, N. Y., visited the Sells-Floto Circus. Al Leaman, who is on the front door, and Sam trouped together on the Cook Bros. Show.
Lee (Billstick) Woods, who was with J. C. Admire when he managed advance car No. 2 on the Young Buffalo Wild West in 1909, is again with Admire, who this season is contracting agent for Patterson's Trained Wild Animal Circus. Howard Hendricks is advance car manager of the Patterson Circus.
Billboard, June 17, 1922, pp. 60, 61, 88, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Dan Rowe writes that the Max Wiltshire Society Circus stranded at Oaktown, Ind., June 9, and that manager Max Wiltshire has disappeared.
R. M. Harvey is getting out new stationery for the American Circus Corporation. It will carry steel engravings of Yankee Robinson, John Robinson, Carl Hagenbeck, the Gollmar Brothers, Otto Floto and Buffalo Bill.
Ralph Lane, who has been with the Sells-Floto Circus for the past three seasons in the reserved seat ticket wagon, has left that show to join the Arthur Davis Amusement Company, and will have the novelty concessions.
James Crogan, now engaged in hotel management at Philadelphia, was for several years an executive attache of the Sparks Circus.
Fletcher Smith, press agent of the Walter L. Main Circus, played the town where he was born and reared, Newburyport, Mass., June 8. Fletcher played the calliope in the parade.
St. Marys, O., June 8. The fourth week of the La Roy Two-Ring Circus has been remarkable. There never was a week in the history of the show marked by better weather, greater cooperation and more pep in the entire troupe. The show runs two hours and fifteen minutes, with a forty-five minute after show. The personnel: Higgins and Higgins, rings, bars and contortion, Mr. Higgins being featured as the human frog and Mrs. Higgins doing a ring contortion act; the Silverlakes, Archie and Brownie, aerialists; Madeline Franks, novelty aerial act, with her high spiral foot spin; the Original Joe E. Sawyer, producing clown and high kicking act, also high-class vaudeville acts in after show; Uncle Ott, with a dong and monkey act, featuring his monkey, "Knuckles," and dog, "Daisy," taking the center stage for fifteen minutes in each act, also doing two acts in the after show; Al Reynard, trick and fancy bicycle act, also featured as the outside free attraction; Carold Townsand, iron jaw and perch; La Roy's troupe of performing ponies, dogs and monkeys. Mr. La Roy personally takes charge of this act, one of the features of the show. The closing act of the show, the Silverlake family, five in number, is one of the best flying acts in the country. The big show band is under the direction of Jack Watson. This band is being used exclusively by the American Legion in its big festival at St. Marys this week, where the La Roy Circus is the attraction. Mrs. Emma Clear is playing air calliope with the band. Mrs. Harry La Roy is visiting the show for a few days before opening her dramatic show. Paul Houck is on the show in the capacity of equestrian director and announcer. Mrs. Houck is with him, operating a palmistry booth. Mr. Clear is on the front door. Eddie Michele has charge of the cookhouse with Mrs. Jack Winters as his assistant. - Bob Ballard (press representative)
The Miller Circus, according to Emil A. Arp, press representative, was scheduled to open the season at Tomah, Wis., June 8. Quoting Mr. Arp: "All the stock is in first class condition, and everybody is rarin' to go. The side show is the best in the history of the show. Under the side show canvas are thirty different animals. A wonderful banner front makes it a real flash."
Advance car No. 3, Sells-Floto Circus: Wm. Polkinghorn, manager; Dick Simson, boss billposter, assisted by the following brushes: M. (Actor) Jones, H. M. South, Thomas Burke, O. Mason, Wm. McCurry and C. B. Van Zants; Frank Buck, boss lithographer, assisted by D. Reed and Steve Mason; George D. Preston, boss bannerman, assisted by J. M. Polacheck; John Owen, chef; Joe Moran, waiter; Irwin Hegberg, paste maker; G. D. Preston, steward. The car is an all-steel one.
"Major" Louis Davis, 81, retired circus dwarf, died at his home in Granville, W. Va., June 9. For fifty years or more Major Davis trouped with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, later the Ringling-Barnum and the old Sells & Forepaugh Circus as a side show attraction. He was 37 inches in height. A month previous to his demise the deceased made all preparations for his death, even to paying for his funeral expenses in advance. Ten days before his death he suffered a paralytic stroke.
George Kile, 32, formerly with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, died at his home, 461 E. 6th street, Peru, Ind., June 3, of tuberculosis. He was a veteran of the World War. Surviving are his mother, two brothers, Joseph and Fred Kile, and three sisters, Nellie and Emma Kile and Mrs. John Killian, all of Peru. Funeral services were held from his late residence June 5, with interment in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Peru.
Billboard, July 1, 1922, pp. 61, 63, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Carl M. Johnson closed with the Sparks Circus at Sunbury, Pa., to join John F. Stowe's "Tom" Show.
Charles L. Sasse, American representative of Santos & Artigas, is resting on his farm in Pennsylvania.
Chas. O'Connor and Ed Hopkins, late of the John Robinson Circus, are with T. A. Wolfe's Superior Shows.
Tony Lowande's Circus is in winter quarters in Buenos Aires, South America.
James E. Orr recently closed as twenty-four hour agent of the Sparks Circus.
Joe Spissell, clown with the Ringling-Barnum Circus, was entertained at Hartford, Conn., his home town.
Chick Dailey, candy butcher, who was in the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus wreck, is located at Newport Beach, R. I., operating an electric lamp doll wheel.
Charley Diamond, the Mileasian Minstrel and veteran variety artist, and son are with Lew Graham's side show on the Ringling-Barnum Circus and going big with their harp and accordian specialty musical act.
James K. Anderson writes that the John Robinson Circus gave two performances in Findlay, O., June 16. Also that the Schultz One-Ring Show (motorized) played to good business there June 19, 20 and 21.
From Herman Joseph with the Sells-Floto Circus: "Frank McStay, Chas. Ruffy and Phil Keeler are new additions to clown alley."
The LaMont Bros. Shows are going along nicely, without losing any stands. The band, under the direction of Henry Kern, is playing some of the latest numbers. The stock, under the supervision of Curley Dodson, is in prime condition. Mrs. LaMont is looking after the clerical end. Doc Filley is blazing the way and Ray Swanner is sheeting them up. The roster: C. R. LaMont, owner and manager; Elmer Porterfield, side show manager, also doing Punch and magic; Blanche Lowe's performing birds; Eva Brown and her big snakes; Albert Grey, ventriloquist; Elmer Grey, equestrian director; Myers Duo, Ralph Senft, Bailey Sisters, the McNamaras, Chester Ford; Charlie Baker, producing clown, with Raymond Branson as assistant; John Kelley, J. Jackson, J. Dunn, all in the big show. Slim Latia is boss canvasman; Clifford Cockbun, boss property man; Hardrock Childers, chef, with two assistants; Dan Cunein, superintendent of lights; W. R. Atterbury, in charge of all privileges. All of which is according to an executive of the show.
Julia Allen's Shows, for many years a feature attraction with leading carnivals, have taken the road as a motorized one-ring circus. The opening stand was made at Lewisburg, Pa., and although weather conditions were not favorable, busines was fair. Mifflinburg next for two days and showed slight increase, and up to present time business has been good. The following people are with the show: Julia Allen, owner; G. F. Williamson, manager; P. W. Anderson, advance agent; Mrs. H. F. Young, secretary and press agent; Texas Jack, fancy and trick riding and roping; Oscar Mann, producing clown, introducing his latest sensation, the bucket act; Young's fox terriers; Lappel and Company, acrobats and tumblers; Sid Hibbird and his comedy mule; Julia Allen, with her troupe of performing dogs and ponies, also her drawing attraction, Teddy, the $10,000 dancing horse; George Parsons, band director; Andy Anderson, equestrian director; Bill Hegeman, boss hostler. Mrs. P. W. Anderson has the novelties and candy privilege. - Mrs. H. F. Young (for the show)
The Rose Kilian Shows are now in the hills of Tennessee, and while the matinees have been only fair, capacity night houses have been the rule since entering the State. This show has run without closing continuously winter and summer for nearly sixteen years. A new big top was put up at Dixon, Tenn., and five more lenghts of seats added to accomodate the crowds in nearly all of the repeat stands. A new ticket wagon and two new cages were added recently, making twenty-five wagons now in the show, with two wagons and one auto in advance. Manager Otto W. Kilian made a trip to Missouri and returned with fourteen head of big long-eared Missouri hayburners to handle the new rolling equipment.
Among the acts meeting with favor in the big show program are the Edwards, Chas. and Blanche, aerialists; the Miller Trio, trapeze, rings and acrobatic numbers; Thos. Moss, juggling and chair balancing; the LaMontes, wire act and revolving ladder. Clown alley has Fred Daller, Bud Echls, Claude LaMonte, and Chris LaMonte. A lineup of animal acts goes to complete the program of an hour and forty-five mintues. Frank Belmont is looking after the annex, pit show and concert. The side show has the following attractions: the LaMontes, mind reading and escape acts; the Cliftons, Swiss Bell ringers; Capt. Chris Howard, fighting lion act; Belmont, magic and ventriloquism, and seven cages of animals. Wm. Kempsmith has charge of the front of the pit show, with a three-pit frameup, including big snakes, capybara and armadillos. Mrs. Otto W. Kilian has charge of the big show ticket wagon, and Mrs. Mabel Smiley looks after the front door and has charge of the inside tickets. W. Harrison is musical director with the following musicians: W. L. Larrison and Mabel Smiley, cornets; Roy Chambers and John G. Smiley, clarinets; Fred Collins, baritone; Wm. Perry and C. C. Whiting, trombones; Gus Woodey, alto; Fred Faller, bass; Jack Wilson and Claude LaMonte, drums. - C. C. Whiting (press agent)
H. R. J. Miller Circus. Wilton, Wis., June 21. The show at presesnt is playing independent dates. Several good Wisconsin fairs have been lined up. The show is billed for Kendall, Wis., June 24. The management has engaged the 30 piece Wilton Booster Band for future engagements. A large gila monster has been added to the snake collection in the side show. The show is lighted with electricity this season. Manager Miller is preparing to break a four-wolf act. The big bear, "Benny," which rides a bucking horse it a big feature. In the course of a few weeks several head of Shetland ponies will be added. The financial condition of these parts is not any too good at present, but this show is getting money. - Emil A. Arp (press agent)
Caspar Hill, 78, formerly for many years a musician with the John Robinson Circus, passed away at his residence, 20 Linclon Terrace, Cincinnati, June 19. Funeral services were held from the residence June 22, with requiem high mass at the Church of the Assumption, Cincinnati.
Joseph Lavender, 69, said to have been a veteran circus and carnival trouper, died suddenly June 24 at the General Hospital, Kansas City, Mo., of heart disease. The body is at the Bergman Undertaking Parlors in Kansas City, awaiting disposition, as his effects failed to disclose the names of any relatives. His body will probably be buried in the potter's field in Kansas City.
Billboard, July 8, 1922, pp. 61, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
J. C. (Pogie) O'Brien is now with the Patterson Animal Circus, having recently left a carnival company.
Billy DeArmo, aerialist, trick and fancy juggler, has joined Campbell Bros. Shows. The show is playing in Michigan.
Jake Posey left the Barnes Circus at Baker City, Ore., and returned to his home in Cincinnati. He is again holding down his old job with the traction company.
Frank Conley, ticket seller on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, has left the show to go to Arizona for his health.
Mrs. Alec Brock called at the Cincinnati offices of The Billboard on her way home to Huntington, W. Va. Mrs. Brock, who was with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, fell from a trapeze at Belleville, Ont., Canad, and broke both wrists.
In clown alley on the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus are Jack LaPearl, Geo. Clark, Joe Woods, Happy Bob Woody, Bill Woody, Fred Duncan, Billy Farmer and Albert Gaston.
Joseph Lavender, whose death at Kansas City was announced last week, was widely known in the circus business twenty years ago as "Frenchy, the Chandelier Man." He was a wiz with gasoline, handling it with the utmost fearlessness. Although he was a hard drinker and was badly burned on numerous occasions, these accidents were always due to the ignorance or carelessness of others and never affected his nerve. He saved many lives endangered by gasoline explosions and saved much property by his intelligent methods of fighting the ensuing fires. His remains were saved from being interred in potter's field by the narrowest kind of a squeak. But they were saved.
Frank H. B. Beatty, for a number of years connected with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and for the past three or four years with the John Robinson Circus, died June 27 in Pittsburg, Pa. Funeral services and interment were in Meadville, June 29.
Joe Howard Gatz, veteran circus billposter, according to a letter from B. F. Miller, of St. Louis, Local 5, was found dead in Ofallon Park, St. Louis, a few days ago.
Billboard, July 15, 1922, pp. 61, 62, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
C. C. Smith is manager of the side show with the Rhoda Royal Circus.
Ed Hirner, steward of Patterson's Trained Animal Circus, is giving a splendid cook house.
Andrew Downie recently added two elephants, three camels, one llama and a zebra to his animal family. Now has ten elephants.
Ray Glaum, late of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, has joined the Christy show to work the come-in and clown. Carl Waddell is also with the show.
H. G. Wilson left the Walter L. Main Circus by mutual agreement with Andrew Downie. He handled the side show and concert.
Gerald Fitzgerald, former press agent of the B. E. Wallace and Ringling Bros. shows, is now in the rain insurance business in Ogdensburg, N. Y.
H. Percy Hill, now manager Ed Wynn's "Perfect Fool" Company, was one of the Three Martells, bicyclists, tumblers and leapers, with the Barnum Circus. His first time down the run and over the "bulls" was a perfect flop.
Tom Smith's De Lux dog act is one of the features with Patterson's Trained Animal Circus. Tom knows how to care for and break 'em and Mrs. Smith knows how to present them.
W. X. (Fat) Fisher passed through Cincinnati last week on his way to his plantation at West Point, Miss. "Fat" has been in the show business for fifty-one years, twenty-five of which have been with the Haag Show.
The W. E. Morgan Nickel Plate One-Ring Circus is in the hills of Virginia. While this little show got a bad start in the early spring on account of much rain and bad roads, business has picked up in the past few weeks. W. E. Morgan, the owner, was taken ill while visiting the Princess Olga Show at Clinton, Tenn., in May, and has not been able to be with the show very much the last few weeks. Ed Disney and Bert Avery have been in charge since manager Morgan's absence. Mr. Disney was painfully, not seriously, injured when one of the big top poles fell while being raised at Rose Hill, Va. The owners are planning to take the show to the cotton fields the last of August and stay out all winter in the South. Two new baggage wagons will be added when the show starts on its Southern tour. - Billie Ledanzal (agent for the show)
Thomas B. Buckley, 54 years old, died at his home in Baraboo, Wis., July 5, following a long illness. Mr. Buckley was for many years treasurer of the Ringling Bros. Circus, leaving that show when the Ringlings acquired the Barnum & Bailey property. After leaving the Ringlings he never went back into active circus life again.
Joseph Clarke, veteran tent man with Perry's Circus, died at Perth, Australia, April 20, after a long illness.
Arthur Ryan, concessioner, with the John Robinson Circus, died of an acute attack of appendicitis at the Pontiac Hospital, Pontiac, Mich., June 27. His widow, who lives in St. Louis, survives.
Joseph White, 22, an employee of the Sells-Floto Circus, was run over and killed by a utility wagon on the circus grounds in Dayton, O., June 30. It is believed that the deceased was asleep under the wagon when horses were hitched to it and the wheels passed over his head, crushing his skull. The remains were held last week at the undertaking parlors of Robert Teisinger, in Dayton, awaiting word from relatives. It is believed White lived in Dallas, Tex.
Billboard, July 22, 1922, pp. 61, 62, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Colleano's Circus, in Australia, now has its own train.
The plight of the Pubillones performers in Mexico City is very serious. Chinka and Robinson, late of the stranded Pubillones Circus, are reported doing well in Europe.
Dan O'Brien, former champion leaper, is now clowning the Luna Park Circus, Coney Island, N. Y.
Frank T. Kelly, the transcontinental trouper, is now attendant at the Massachusetts State Hospital, Lake View, Worcester, Mass.
Pewee, the acrobatic clown, has a new walk-around with the Patterson Circus. Albert McGee is riding Tommy, the cake-walking horse, on the show.
Chas. H. Bruce, bandmaster of the Harmston Circus, an Oriental show that plays principally in Australia, New Guinea, Borneo, Java, New Zealong, South Africa and India, is dead after almost thirty years' service with that attraction.
Cy Green, the Yankee Rube, informs that he closed with the Walter L. Main Ciracus after a tour of New England only. Says that he is negotiating with the Goldwyn Pictures Corporation of New York.
Floyd King, general agent of the M. L. Clark Circus, reported that business has been satisfactory with his show, which is now in Pennsylvania. The Great Sanger Circus and the M. L. Clark Shows were consolidated at the beginning of the circus season. Three cars are used in transporting the show.
The James B. O'Neill Show is in Illinois. Every spare minute is used in building new cages for a large shipment of animals that Mr. O'Neill expects to arrive soon. This little aggregation is one of the cleanest and neatest wagon shows on the road with twenty wagons, two of which are on the advance. The writer is blazing the trail, the same Williams who was agent for Tad's "Uncle Tom" Show for the last two seasons. - C. J. Williams (for the show)
The Atterbury Bros. Overland Animal Circus is in its second week of the Iron Range country. Fourth of July was a big one in the new Hippodrome Building, Eveleth, Minn. The show will soon head for North Dakota. Mrs. Rose Atterbury is back in the ring again with her wire act after an absence of two years. Katherine Atterbury is doing a good aerial act. Hayden and Hayden are putting on a good concert. Arthur Walsh and wife are doing well with the privileges. Hayden and Shorty Lorch are principal clowns, with Jargo and other good clown numbers. The writer is handling the advance. - A. D. Allen (agent for the show)
Chas. H. Bruce, for thirty years bandmaster of Harmston Circus (Australia), died recently in Australia. Mr. Bruce was one of the original members of the Hicks-Sawyer Minstrels which went to Australia from this country about 35 years ago. He was a pianist of the company, as well as a brilliant cornet player. He was of colored parentage.
Mickie McDonald, clown with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, announces that a divorce was granted him in Chicago recently from Effie, McDonald, of the Hannaford [sic?] troupe.
Billboard, July 29, 1922, pp. 81, 82, 83, 124. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Jack Mangean troupe of acrobats recently closed with the Walter L. Main Circus. at Mt. Vernon, N. Y.
D. M. Spayd has left the Hagenbeck-Wallace advance car No. 1 and joined Christy Bros. Shows as steward.
Mlle. Brengk joined the Circo Modello in the city of Mexico with her "Golden Horse" just following the close of the Circo Pubillones there.
R. M. Jones left the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus at Buckhannon, W. Va., June 29, on account of illness. He is at Edinburg, Ind.
George Irving is making them laugh on the Campbell Bros. Circus with his ventriloquial work.
Joe Wilk and Princell Wilk joined the Gollmar Brothers Show at Superior, Neb. The Princess opened the season dancing with the Walter L. Main Show, closing the middle of July. The Gollmar Bros. offer was accepted July 18.
George W. Ross, of Vanceboro, Me., detective and deputy sheriff, who has figured prominently in many famous cases, is now chief detective with the Gollmar Bros. Circus. He celebrated his 64th birthday July 11.
Massillon, O., July 19. The J. J. Evans Society Circus, which on last Decoration Day suffered serious loss here in a railroad wreck, is being reorganized and on August 1 will open a long fair season at Xenia, O., according to J. J. Evans. Evans said that he will have one of the best smaller shows on the road. Two 60 foot cars will be required to move the show and twenty people and fourteen head of stock will be carried. All equipment has been purchased and rehearsals will be started this week. At 11 of the 14 fairs Evans will offer his animal circus before the grandstand as a free act. His high school horses, "Prince, the Great," an educated horse, ponies and dogs, as well as a trained mule, for form the company of animal acts. Evans this week purchased additional equipment, and reports the show will leave Massillon July 30. Evans says that a complete adjustment has been made with the railroads, and all loss sustained in the wreck has been made good.
The Richards Bros. Great Western Shows are now in the hills of Kentucky, doing good business. The show now consists of 18 tableau wagons, four trucks and ten cages of animals. The side show top is a 40 foot round top with two 30 foot middle pieces. The big show top is an 80 foot round top with three 40 foot middle pieces, the show having two rings and a stage. In the big show are 15 aerial acts, twelve ground acts, ten clown numbers and fourteen animal acts. A Wild West concert is also presented. The show is carrying a 15 piece band, 70 head of draft stock and 20 head of ring stock. There are 80 people with the organization. All canvas is new. The advance consists of three trucks and six billposters. Manager W. C. Richards states that he will probably put the show on rails next season, as it is getting too big for a wagon show. - Harold Riggs (for the show)
The Campbell Bros. Animal Show is doing nicely in Michigan. Billy DeArno is a hit with his comedy juggling on the elevated stage. Billy lived in Hillsdale, Mich., sixteen years ago. Veteran George (Punch) Irving, handling the side show and annex, is throwing his voice further than ever in his "dummy" act on the ballyhoo. Dolly LaTow, the Girl in the Air, played within 11 miles of her home town when the show was in Eaton Rapids, Mich.
Oscar Lowande Circus in South America is still touring Brazil to fair business. . . . The Oscar Lowande riding act and the Great Pacheco Troupe of acrobats and wire walkers are making big hits. Delfin Pacheco is manager of the act, and is also equestrian director with the show. They were formerly with the Hagenbeck-Wallace and Ringling Bros. shows. "Bobby" is still with the act. He married Inez, clever little artist of the Pacheco Troupe, and their 3-year-old daughter, Rosalie, is the "queen of the circus." . . . Capt. Alex Lowande is still the live wire and is well received ahead of the show.
"Huber," the armless wonder with the Gollmar Bros. Circus, and May Waldron, professionally known as Jackie Herrera, were married in Sioux Falls, S. D., July 14.
Billboard, August 12, 1922, pp. 60, 61, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Atterbury Wagon Shows are doing good business in the Red River Valley (Minn.). Harry and Gladys Hayden have taken charge of the privileges. Arthur Walsh and wife, formerly in charge of the privileges, have left the show to make fairs. Curly Prickett, elephant man, joined the Walshes. Vincent Galliher will take charge of the elephant and animals. The show will remain on the road until cold weather sets in. So far the season has been good for this show, which will be enlarged for next season. It is likely to be under new management, as manager R. L. Atterbury will retire from active management on account of his health. He has held the job for twelve years. - W. A. Allen (agent for the show)
Henry (Apples) Welsh informs that he is ill at his brother's ranch at Sunrise, Wy.
Edward Arlington, ex-showman, now has three hotels in New York City under his management. They are Hotel Claridge, Flanders and Harding.
Mrs. Babe LeRoy, wife of Willie LeRoy, elephant trainer, of the Rhoda Royal Circus, is back in vaudeville.
Al Flosso is with the Walter L. Main Circus, doing magic and punch. He has signed for the Dreamland Circus Side-Show at Coney Island, N. Y., next season. Flosso was with Gumpertz two seasons, 1915 and 1916.
Minnie Fisher writes that she has returned to the Sells-Floto Circus after an absence of ten days in Beaumont, Tex., to settle the estate of her sister, Mrs. E. S. Miall, who died April 5. Mrs. Miall bequeathed to Miss Fisher her entire estated, consisting of valuable property and $40,000.
A. M. (Jake) Brauer, last season secretary and treasurer of Palmer Bros. Circus, is still in the Santa Clara County Hospital, San Jose, Calif. Brauer expects to leave for his home in San Antonio, Tex. within a few weeks.
Charles Grant, who closed with the Walter L. Main Circus May 13 on account of a badly strained shoulder, has not been able to use his arms since then. The muscles were torn from the shoulder blade while doing his aerial ladder act. Grant's address is 744 Thompson avenue, McKees Rocks, Pa.
Herman Joseph, with the Sells-Floto Circus, writes that the show turned thousands away during the Denver engagement July 24 and 25, also that one of the big events in Denver was a wedding, when more than ten thousand witnessed the marriage of Effie Davenport, member of the Hanneford act, and Givanni DeGilberts, also with the show.
Paul Brachard, traveling with a small circus, says that he is establishing an actors' colony in Newport Richey, Fla.
Lineup of attractions on the Rhoda Royal side show: C. C. Smith, manager; Bay Hand, in charge of tickets; Marie Hand, bag punching; Pearl Hilderbrand, snakes; Marie Smith, sword walking; Chet Morris, magic; Rhoda Royal's troupe of roller skating bears, worked by Carl Jennings. In the oriental department are Mrs. Murphy, Hazel Clark and Miss Paris.
From Peter Taylor, of Havana, Cuba: "Reading Mlle. Brengk's notice in The Billboard, issue of July 29, that she joined Circo Modelo in Mexico City after the close of the Circus Pubillones in Mexico, which recently returned from Mexico, I wish to state that I also worked at the bull ring with the Pubillones Circus, then sold to Circo Modelo my eight African lions and three lions to Circus Argentine. Circus Pubillones did not close - it could not run any longer because Madame Pubillones did not pay the performers. If the performers would have pulled together in time that could have been prevented, instead of being left in a strange country, broke, without getting the fare paid back from where they came. I know performers who were brought to Mexico by Madame Pubillones and are now doing stunts on street corners to make a living. I also known big equestrian acts with several horses which are working for a few weeks, just for the keeping of the animals and themselves."
Bert McFarland, 33, formerly with the Al G. Barnes and Palmer Bros. circuses, died at a hospital in Oakland, Calif., July 28, of appendicitis. He was a veteran of the World War. Surviving are his parents, two brothers, Archie and Frank E. McFarland, and a sister, Mrs. Helen Ward, of Marathon, Tex., who was formerly with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. Funeral services were held from the Julius Codean funeral parlors, with interment in Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland.
H. C. Willard, 61, advance man for circuses and stock companies, died at the McKetrick Hospital, Marseilles, O., August 1, following a year's illness of cancer. During his professional career Mr. Willard was at various times connected with the old Baldwin Stock Company and the Himmelein Company and also with the Howe and Gentry Bros. circuses. He leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Willard, of Toledo, and one sister, Mrs. E. J. Webster, also of Toledo. Funeral services were held August 3, with interment in Fehl Cemetery, Marseilles.
Carl Bartlett and Wilma Kilbora, both members of the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus, were quietly married during the engagement of the show in Chicago last month.
Billboard, August 19, 1922, pp. 60, 61, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Cole Bros. Show has returned to the States after an eight weeks' tour in the Province of Quebec. Business in Canada was not as good as it has been the past few years informs A. Mainelli, mail agent. However, the show made a nice profit. The show is now in Vermont. Prof. Delzottie, with his Italian band of twelve pieces is going big.
The James B. O'Neill Trained Animal Show is doing good business in Wisconsin. The organization is on its way back to Illinois and Missouri. The Novelty Conleys are in their third season with the O'Neill show, F. H. Conley is traing some cats, as the Conleys will go back into vaudeville this winter. Mrs. Conley will be seen in a new web act this winter.
The M. L. Clark Show struck Ohio territory last Thursday at Wellston, coming out of West Virginia.
Mrs. R. C. Campbell inherits $500,000 under the will of her fiance, who died in London recently.
The Rose Kilian Shows recently received an entire new outfit of canvas from Julius Thomson of Cincinnati.
Charles L. Sasse informs us that Fred A. Hodgson, formerly manager of Circo Orrin, Mexico City, died at Peterboro, Ont. Can., August 7.
Bert Chipman has resigned as manager of the advertising car of the Howe show after twenty one weeks. He has joined Hugo Bros. Players as business manager.
Carl and Lew Solt have been doing double traps and bars the past few weeks. Carl is now back in Denver, Ind.
Bob Campbell was general agent of the Forepaugh Shows for many years, and afterwards president (in association with Burr Robbins) of the American Billposting Co., Chicago.
"Doc" Chapman, for years with the Ringling Bros. and Gollmar Bros. shows, in charge of concessions, is living on his farm, just north of Neillsville, Wis. Since he quit the road he married a Neillsville lady.
Floyd Trover, general agent for the Mighty Haag Show, has been vacationing at Beaver Falls, Pa., for two weeks, rejoined the show at Russellville, O., August 10. His brother, S. E. Trover, handled the advance during his absence.
It is said that Chas. W. Parker, of Meriden, Conn., who was with the Barnum & Bailey Circus for fourteen years, and also with the Sells-Floto Circus, will have charge of one of the brigades with one of the leading circuses next season. Mr. Parker retired from the circus business when the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey combination was effected. He was one of the best banner squarers in the country.
Madaline Fairchild, Lindsey Station, Newport, Ky., appeals to show people for work. In 1909 she hurt her spine and has had to use a cane to walk with, but is strong otherwise. She particularly desires work in the wardrobe department. She says she has worked for Phil Ellsworth on the John Robinson Circus; "Doc" Ogden, on Sells & Downs Show; Walter Shannon on the Norris & Rowe Show, and with James Morrow on the Sells-Floto Show.
Blanche Hillard, bareback rider, has recovered from injuries received in an automobile accident last March. C. L. Norris, an Ohio auto manufacturer, was killed. They were to have been married in May. Miss Hillard is now resting on a ranch with friends at Bonita, La.
Their full names: John Benedict Austin, George Washington Christy, Samuel MacDonald Dawson, Leon Bland Greenhaw, Luther Canfield Gillette, Arthur Heritage (Hoffman), Elmer Harris Jones, Howard Hassell King, Andrew Downie McPhee, Edward Shaw Padgett.
Thos. F. Dransfield, 62, with various circuses as billposter and car manager from 1881 to 1915, succumbed to heart disease at his home in Indianapolis, Ind., August 7. A brother, Ruben, a sister, Emily and a son, Ezra Dransfield, survive.
Guy E. Toops, known to the profession as "Kokomo," died in Kokomo, Ind., August 8, after a long illness. Mr. Toops was trombonist with C. L. Brown's Band on the Sells-Floto Circus seasons of 1917 and '18.
Billboard, August 26, 1922, pp. 76, 77, 78. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Kansas City, Mo., Aug. 18. The following letter, about the Briggs Overland Show, reached The Billboard office here this week from G. Parsons: "Mr. Briggs and I put the show out after a week of organization in Dodge City, Kan. Everything is new - canvas, seats, lights, wagons, etc. We are moving with two wagons, but will add more later. We opened at Spearville, Kan. The lineup is: Bert Briggs and Gale Parsons, owners; G. Parsons, manager; Bert Briggs, equestrian director; Neb. Slim Harley, boss hostler and boss canvasman, with three assistants; Max Coy, lights. The performance: four pony drill by Bert Briggs; clown number, G. Wilson, Dime and Miss Lillian Wilson; single trapeze, Lillian Wilson; tumbling acrobat, G. C. Dowing; Dime and Dick, the educated pony, by Bert Briggs; clown number, G. Wilson, G. C. Dowing and Miss Wilson; Roman rings, Lillian Wilson; trained dogs and goats by G. Wilson; clown number, G. Wilson, G. C. Dowing and Miss Wilson; iron jaw and swinging ladder, Miss Lillian Wilson; closing with January act, Bert Briggs; G. Wilson's clowns, G. C. Dowing and Dime, 'the youngest clown on the road.'" Mr. Parsons, in closing, says they have a nice, clean little show and should do well. They expect to make some fair dates.
Chicago, Aug. 15. George Rich, who dates away back in circus history, arrived here yesterday, having closed as general agent with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus. Mr. Rich will leave the last of the week to take a post as general agent on the James B. Wells Trained Animal Circus, which he helped organize in 1919 and which has never closed since it started on the road.
What closed Patterson's Trained Wild Animal Circus? The answer is: Graft closed Patterson's Trained Wild Animal Circus.
The Rhoda Royal two-car show, under the management of Rhoda Royal, is now making a tour of Ohio. Oscar Wiley, veteran of the advance cars of ye circuses of long ago, is the general agent.
F. (Pocallos) LaVell informs that after finishing this season with Howe's Great London Circus, he will take an option on a ranch at Miles City, Mont.
Joseph "Whitey" Ross, who jumped to Chicago for the balance of the season when the James Patterson Circus closed last week in Kansas, informs that he will be back with the trick next season as boss canvasman.
Their full names: Toland Woodruff Ballenger, George Alabama Florida, Thomas Francis Patrick Heney, George Francis Meighan, Horace Vernon Reaver, James Arthur Shropshire, Robert Theodore Stickney Sr.
Billy DeArmo advises that he closed with the Campbell Bros. Show last week. He pens: "I did a tramp juggling and an aerial trapeze act with the circus. Have played vaudeville for the past ten winters. The two-car show is doing good business."
Notes from Christy Bros. Circus in Nebraska: The show is doing good business. Ray Glaum, female impersonator, keeps the crowds in an uproar during the come-in. Peggy Waddell's dance in the lions' den continues to please. Mr. and Mrs. McPherson, late of Gollmar Bros. Circus, are new arrivals. "Fat" Roe also is a late addition in clown alley.
Into the circus field next season for its initial bow, two young enterprising American showmen will present Rice, Cooper & O'Brien's Giant Consolidated Circus. Preliminary arrangements are now about completed and work will be started in the near future perfecting the plans.
The voice of "Cal" Towers has been stilled. This grand character of the circus world died August 13 at his home in Muscatine, Ia., due to old age and complications resulting from a stroke of paralysis suffered in April. Fifty of his 73 years were spent with the big tops. From about 1869 to 1909 he was announcer on the John Robinson, Ringling Bros., Hagenbeck-Wallace, Buffalo Bill, and Sparks shows. The last ten years of his show career were devoted to managing the side shows of the John Robinson, Ringling Bros., Hagenbeck-Wallace and Sparks Circus. Few men enjoyed a wider acquaintance than Calvin G. Towers, better known as "Cal" Towers. The last three years he spent in retirement. The remains rest in St. Mary's Cemetery, Muscatine, Ia.
Billboard, September 2, 1922, pp. 63, 65, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Frank T. Kelly informs us that he left the John Robinson Circus as night watchman, to go with the Al G. Barnes Circus.
Their full names: Colonel Mack Laurin Clark, William Thomas David (Skinny) Dawson, William Edward Haines.
Jake Jacobson, "nickel king" on the Al G. Barnes Circus, has been doing a wonderful business with his novelties.
J. Holland, whose last dozen of forty years of trouping has been with the Al G. Barnes Cicus, paid his first visit in many a day to Cincinnati, his native city, last week as a member of the Barnes No. 2 advertising car.
Roy Fortune, clown and one-legged wire walker, who left the Mighty Haag Shows last week, visited The Billboard on his way to join the M. L. Clark Show. The day following Fortune's visit, Ab Johnson, veteran circus clown and animal trainer, informed that he just left the Clark show to connect with the Haag organization. Ab was accompanied by Eddie Van Camp, who was chandelier man on the M. L. Clark Circus and is to join the Al G. Barnes Circus. Last season Van Camp was boss canvasman on the Barnes show.
Colonel M. L. Clark, veteran wagon showman, was in Cincinnati last week having his eyes treated. The Colonel, now in his 62nd year, is in pretty good health. It was in 1887 that Colonel Clark took out his first wagon show. In 1909 he placed his show on rails, and Floyd King said it was the best 10-car show he had ever seen. Poor routing made this venture a failure, and the Colonel went back to wagons. His title this year is being used by Floyd and Howard King.
New Haven, Conn., Aug. 25. Richard and Gustaf Warner, known in the circus world as Capt. Richard Ricardo, animal trainer, and "Wooden Show Dutch," hostler and driver, have been reunited at the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros.- Barnum & Bailey Circus for the first time since 1872, when at the age of 9 and 11 years, respectively, they took separate leave from their home in Augusta, Ga., because of ill treatment at the hands of their stepfather. By coincidence the brothers drifted into the circus business, and during their activities in this field for almost half a century, neither knew of the other's identity, though their paths crossed not a few times. Some seasons ago both were on the Sells-Floto Circus and Gus drove the parade wagon which carried Richard and some of the lions used in his act. Establishment of identification of Gus by his brother came several days ago, when both were in the winter quarters' office of the Ringling-Barnum show. Richard, noting how the other man looked like his brother, ased several questions, and the good news came to light. Now the brothers are inseparable and anticipate with much anxiety the celebration they will observe in a couple of months when they visit their sister, Mrs. Charles E. Fetzer, in Savannah, Ga. The sister and Richard never lost track of each other, but Gus has not seen her for a half century.
Canton, O., Aug. 22. Circus labor shortage, caused by workingmen being attracted to jobs in the industrial plants of this section, proved somewhat of a handicap to the Al G. Barnes Shows. A near blowdown was averted here after the matinee Friday when all available members of the show hurried to the guy ropes and stood guard until a severe wind storm had passed.
Ed A. Woeckener, bandmaster with the Al G. Barnes Circus, and Marion W. McCrea, equestrienne, with the same show, were married August 28, in Covington, Ky., at the home of Justice of the Peace King. Both will continue with the show and take a honeymoon trip after the season closes.
Billboard, September 9, 1922, pp. 66, 67, 68, 69, 114. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Binghamton, N. Y., Sept. 1. "Shorty, the circus clown," formerly with the Barnum & Bailey Show, is back in Binghamton. This time, instead of appearing under the big tent, he comes in uniform, the uniform of a Salvation Army ensign, assigned here to take charge of the Salvation Army Industrial Home. He was accompanied by his family and brought his household goods on a truck from Atlantic City. "Shorty's" real name is Furman Long.
Instead of joining the M. L. Clark Show, Roy Fortune writes that he visited the show for a day.
Elmer Jones' 2-car Cole Brothers' Circus is stinging them all along the line, according to reports. Fifteen grafters are said to be with it.
A report reaches us that J. A. Castell, horse trainer and equestrian director of the Howe show, left the show at Beach, N. D., on account of illness.
Pewee, the acrobatic clown, and Harry Mick, who were with the Patterson Circus, are now with the Gentry show. Pewee says he is getting a few giggles and that Mick is a big feature on the track.
Al Dean, former horse trainer and assistant to Ed Shipp on the Ringling, Gollmar Bros., Forepaugh-Sells and Barnum shows, is making his debut as a cookhouse manager this season with the Al G. Barnes Circus.
Capt. George Bray writes that a real Mexican circus showed Richmond, Calif., recently. It is owned by the Gutienez Brothers. Bray says that a first class show was given and that they have a real band. The show travels in its own motor trucks and uses an eighty-foot top.
Chas. Frye, agent for Smith's Royal Scotch Highlanders' Band, closed in Eldora, Ia., on account of the band being booked solid until December. Frye is now with Campbell Bros. Circus.
Their full names: Alphaeus George Barnes Stonehouse, Harley Solomon Tyler, Edward August Woeckener, Melvin Perry Pennock, Murray Alexander Pennock, Ellery Sinclair Reynolds.
Frank Conley, who was with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus the first part of the season, and then joined the Sells-Floto Circus, left the latter in San Francisco. Conley is in ill health, on his way home to Huntington, W. Va.
L. Harris, boss hostler on the 101 Ranch Show for several years, also on the Carson show, is now in Brodhead, Wis., in the contracting business, says Joe Lloyd. Lloyd was boss hostler on the Patterson Circus.
Honeymooners with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus this season are Echo Yoshida, Japanese acrobat, and Helen Kirkland, an American girl, whose home is in Los Angeles. They were married a year ago.
The Keystone Show, which opened the season at Whaleyville, Va., April 22, has been in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The show is now playing the summer resorts in the Pocoma Mountains and business is good. Pop Valentine has the band with the following musicians: Mrs. Dick Knight, Bright Jones, Dick Knight, Harry Heilman, Tim O'Brien, Jim Theobaugh and Wesley Harvey. Curvin Zech, side show manager, left the show for a week to visit friends. - H. R. Brison (for the show)
H. D. Carney writes: Lee Clark, son of M. L. Clark, has out a minstrel Show called the Louisiana Minstrels. At Tuscalousa, Ala., I met Allie and Lum Clark just starting out an overland show through Alabama.
Lindeman Bros. Shows, which opened at Sheboygan, Wis., May 5, have covered Wisconsin and Minnesota and are now in North Dakota. With the show are Gust, Louise, Albert, Clara, Billy and Milly Lindeman, Art Young, Alvin Pantell, Theo Weber, Art Heller [Helier?], Chas. B. Paul, Pete Nelson, Louise Nelson, Bill Gensch, Frank Landgraf, Arvin Rademacher, Billy Burkard, Albert and Mrs. Sigsbee. The show will close about November 1. - Art Young (for the show)
Harry LaRoy's Circus played LaRue, O., August 14, to good business. With the show are: Gordon and Morris, acrobats; Three Silverlakes, aerialists; Mr. and Mrs. Fondaw, aerialists; Joe Sawyer, clown and acrobat; Bob Ballard with a seven piece band; Mrs. LaRoy, treasurer; Ben Davenport, side show manager. Bobby Walters in in advance.
Austin King, circus clown, who has trouped with many of the larger shows, was granted a divorce from Vera Earle King in San Francisco, August 25.
Billboard, September 16, 1922, pp. 65, 68. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Dr. Al Martin has the connection on the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus.
Jack Loving is on the Al G. Barnes Circus selling tickets in the big show.
Mrs. M. L. Clark, of the Clark Show, is visiting her sister, Mrs. Hattie Bell, at Ardmore, Ok.
Capt. George Bray had the pleasure of meeting young Joe Boyton, son of the famous Capt. Paul Boyton, in San Francisco recently. Joe Boyton is secretary with the Ringling-Barnum Circus. Bray had traveled around the world with Boyton's father.
Col. Mike Welsh and John Welsh, proprietors of the original Welsh Brothers Circus, are now picture magnates, engaged in the exploitation of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" film spectacle as a State-right proposition.
W. E. (Dad) Brown, whose death occurred in an automobile accident, August 8, spent the greater part of his seventy-six years in the sawdust ring. He traveled all over the United States and also in Europe as a clown with the Barnum & Bailey Circus. He was also an acrobat with the same circus and later was with the Al G. Barnes Circus. He was known also as a minstrel man and his entire experience with various shows and circuses covered a period of forty years. He went to Pendleton, Ore. six years ago and up to the time of his death was employed as billposter for the Beckwith Advertising Company. . . .
Billboard, September 23, 1922, pp. 70, 71, 114. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Christy Bros. Shows have purchased another lot of animals, including giant baboons, pumas, llamas, an elk and a leopard act.
The Atterbury Wagon Show will continue to show in Minnesota until November 1. Business in South Dakota was big. The show had a good season. It opened at Clontarf, Minn., May 1, and has toured Wisconsin and South Dakota. The management has secured winter quarters at Sioux City, Ia., general agent A. D. Allen having obtained a lease on buildings last week with the assistance of the Commercial Club of that city.
From The Reform Bulletin: "Many of the circuses traveling over the country have gambling tables operated in their big side show tent. They also have immoral women shows 'for men only.' The representatives of the New York Civic League have seen such things this summer in the John Robinson Circus, the Sells-Floto Circus and the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. Our representatives have followed these circuses in various places where their intended violations of law have been prevented, and in other cases their law-violating participants have been arrested and convicted in the local courts."
Just heard that Mr. Campbell is directing the advance of Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus since Ed L. Brannan's departure.
Robert Stickney Sr. returned to his home in Cincinnati last week after making a few fairs in Ontario with his dog and pony circus.
Various circus men estimate the holdings of Zack Terrell in the Sells-Floto Circus, of which he is manager, as being the sum total of $75,000.
Since closing with the Patterson Circus as superintendnet of canvas, Jos. (Whitey) Ross has been making fairs.
The Famous Damm Brothers, with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, are making them take notice with their comedy acrobatic and ring act, finishing with a toe-to-toe catch.
Doc McKay informs that the J. J. Evans Show has a season of sixteen fair dates and that the show is doing nicely. J. J. Evans is owner and manager, Mrs. Evans is treasurer and Doc McKay is on the front door and handling the publicity. G. B. Stone has a 10 piece band.
Sammy Watson, now about 84 years young, is connected with R. H. Burnside's office at the New York Hippodrome, where he has been for several seasons. He was one time European representative for Adam Forepaugh and has been clown, rider, leaper and all-around circus hand. He recently said he thought he could leap through a "Tunnel of Knives," as he once did from the back of a horse.
Tom Murray, 24-hour man with the John Robinson Circus, died recently in Syracuse, N. Y., after a brief illness.
Billboard, September 30, 1922, pp. 80, 81, 83, 118. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Elmer H. Jones is owner of Cole Bros. Circus and Wheeler Bros. Circus, as well as other circuses which he hasn't out at the present time.
James Shropshire and wife have purchased the Kentucky Hotel at Maysville, Ky., their home town.
Smokey DuMont, assistant bandmaster on the Gollmar Bros. Circus, has recovered from being kicked by a horse, and is back on the show.
Clarence Auskings closed his season as local contracting agent ahead of the Gollmar Bros. Circus at Little Rock, Ark.
Dusty Rhodes, contracting agent and Marie Beaudet, both of the Howe Show, which closed September 16, were married at Ft. Dodge, Ia., September 18.
A correspondent writes: "The Sells-Floto outfit, when they were in St. Louis two months ago, exhibited more grift than any show I have seen in a long time, and with adequate police protection, got away with everything but murder. The camel-back in the side show collected $6,000 in three days. Connection workers were plentiful, and butchers were selling 5 cent ice cream cones and soft drinks for the unheard of sum of 20 cents."
Lindeman Bros. Shows, during their trip through North Dakota, encountered one mishap, at Gackle, N. D., where a miniature cyclone blew down the big top during the evening performance. None of the audience was hurt. The side show also went down, but the damage was not as much as that of the big top. The following day everyone was busy with needles and soon had it repaired. Albert Lindemen was the only one who sustained an injury. A scar on his nose and forehead showed up prominently the next day. The injury was caused by a falling quarter pole. At Albee, S. D., the show had a slight fire, caused by the explosion of the gas tank, which caught the end of the cook tent. The fire was under control before any damage was done. The show is now on its way to winter quarters after a successful season through Wisconsin, Minnesota and North and South Dakota.
Arrangements have been completed whereby the Honest Bill and Lucky Bill Shows will winter at Lancaster, Mo., instead of Ada, Ok., their permanent quarters. Honest Bill has had his two shows in the Northwest all season and will, in all probability, route them through the same territory next year. Both shows will consolidate for the closing date, which occurs at Lancaster October 14. Honest Bill and family will spend the winter, as usual, at their home in Ada. J. H. Blair, press agent and announcer on the Lucky Bill Show, will have charge of the Lancaster quarters.
Sharon, Pa., Sept. 22. Frank W. Large, an oldtime circus performer, is launching a $100,000 motorized circus for next season. Stock for the show is now being sold. The show will be of two-ring size.
[Advertisement] Campbell-Bailey-Hutchinson Circus and Wild West Combined. On account of disagreement of owners, the ten-car show will be sold as it stands to the person or persons making the best offer. . . .
Edward Fitzpatrick, widely-known circus man, died at 6 p.m., September 13 in the hospital at Anaheim, Calif., from heart trouble. Burial was made at Anaheim, under auspices of the Elks. Mr. Fitzpatrick was born in New York in 1883. He had trouped for years with the Forepaugh-Sells, Barnum & Bailey, Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey and Sells-Floto circuses. He is survived by a daughter, who is in a convent in Providence, R. I., where the deceased spent practically all his life.
Billboard, October 7, 1922, pp. 53, 73, 114, 115. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Let's Get Together for a "Graftless" 1923, by Charles Ringling
On behalf of the circuses and other tent shows, I appeal to The Billboard for co-operation and help. Some way or another the impression has gone out that a few of the out-of-door shows, circuses, carnivals, etc., have dropped back several decades to the days when many tented organizations added to their receipts thru the operation of games of chance, thru the maintenance of indecent dancing acts, etc., and by cheating their patrons in every way posssible.
The Billboard, I understand, had declared its intention to "go after" all show that are not clean, honest and wholesome. I can see that a campaign by this great paper with this object in view will be of the greatest benefit to all tented shows that are deserving of public patronage. I am going to ask The Billboard to take the showmen into a friendly partnership in this campaign and, as we showmen are to profit principally, to let us bear the expense. Here is an honest opportunity for all "honorable," honest showmen!
First - I propose that The Billboard (if the suggestion meets its approval) ask each and every tent showman to subscribe to an agreement not to operate or permit to be operated on his grounds at any time or place:
1 - Games of chance.
2 - Betting devices.
3. - Short-change transactions.
4 - Cooch shows.
5 - "Behind the curtain" dances or shows.
6 - Female impersonator playing to or annoying patrons before or during the show.
7 - "For Men Only" shows.
8 - Forty-nine or other dance hall joints.
9 - Suggestive, obscene stunts or acts of any nature.
10 - Privilege car in which gambling is carried on or in which booze is sold either to employees or others.
I am sure there will be quite a number of showmen ready to hop nimbly into The Billboard Band Wagon. Possibly some may skin their shins a little in getting up so high and possibly a few may think it quite a jump upwards and suggest a ladder, but the writer and his associates are going to make it sure, if the opportunity is given, and I am quite certain we will not be alone in the Big Red Wagon.
Now when these honest showmen have all gotten "set" we will ask them, and I think they will be glad to comply, to undertake to pay all costs of carrying out this circus, Wild West, carnival and fair house cleaning. My suggestion is that, after The Billboard has invited all the circuses and other tent shows to join this clean-up movement and after it has had reasonable time in which to hear from all who wish to be heard from, it publish the names and addresses of such shows as will come in, and ask them to get together and arrange for the payment of all costs that may be incurred. A positive promise can be made right now, on behalf of the showmen - they will cheerfully foot the bills.
If then The Billboard will accept such a task I propose that on or about February 1, 1923, it secure a competent man as chairman to take charge of and as many assistants as may be necessary to carry on this campaign. In the application of the efforts to be directed towards the fulfilment of the purposes of the campaign, regardless of the fact that a number of circuses and other thent shows are known to have always conducted their concerns in an honorable, business-like manner, every show shall be treated like every other show, whether a subscriber to the movement or not.
Subject to The Billboard's approval the chairman and his committee of assistants would establish quarters in Cincinnati, under guidance of The Billboard. Route of all shows would be secured and the chairman would address a circular letter to each of the following persons in every city to be visited by a show:
City Mayor, City Attorney, editor of each newspaper, Chief of Police, Principal of Schools, President of Library Board, each minister of the Gospel, County Sheriff, County Attorney, County Judge, President of Woman's Club, President of Civic League, President Chamber of Commerce, and perhaps a number of leading business men.
For such Circular Letter propose something like the following:
"Hon. City Mayor. X-ville, Ohio:
"Dear Sir - The Billboard, the world's foremost theatrical paper, published at Cincinnati, O., has undertaken, in the interest of circuses, carnivals, and other out-of-door shows, as well as in the interest of the public and especially for the good of the children, a campaign to suppress gambling, grafting and obscene or otherwise objectionable exhibitions. This letter is addressed to you by a committee that has this work in hand.
"Every year thousands of our children are attending their first circus or other similar out-of-doof show. Careful investigation has shown that a number of shows of this class present exhibitions that no child should see. A number of these shows introduce indecent dancing acts in which semi-nude female performers take part, plainly announced to the audience in a manner to acquaint every child present with the fact that, back of a curtain a few feet away, indecent exhibitions are taking place. In these same tents, usually the side show tents, such devices as the 'Shell Game' and the 'Spindle Wheel' are operated - open gambling carried on in open violation of the law. At the ticket offices and at the booths where refreshments are sold purchasers are 'grafted' upon and 'short-changed,' and in the main exhibitions indecent displays are presented.
"This committee does not wish to cast reflections upon clean, wholesome out-of-door amusement institutions. They are evidently a necessity and there are many really good shows among them - institutions that may be pointed to with pride as examples of what can be accomplished by system and organization - wonderful shows too, that are clean, healthful and educational as well. A number of the best circuses, etc., have joined us in this movement and are giving it their hearty support, hopeing for the good of the show business in general to force all shows to adopt clean methods. They ask us to sent these letters to the cities which they visit as well as to the cities visited by 'grafting' shows. Those who are honest and clean have nothing to fear and those who are not should be exposed. We want to point out to you that the officers and servants of the law in cities where 'graft,' etc., are operated are fifty per centum to blame and we ask you to appoint a committee of citizens to see to it that your officers do their duty. We are safe in making this flat statement: Wherever a circus, carnival, street fair or other show runs games of chance or conducts indecent dancing acts in its side shows, or elsewhere, the local officers of the law have been bribed or fixed. In other words, if these shows operate games of chance or present unclean exhibitions in your city, you may be absolutely certain your own local officers have been 'fixed.' It will be a simple matter to prevent such abuses if you will appoint a committee of citizens interested in clean, wholesome amusements and entertainments to see to it that any circus, carnival or show that has been advertised to appear in your city is conducted in an honest, decent, moral manner. The child is the best customer of the circus and other out-of-door show. How many adults have forgotten their first circus? Very few indeed. The child-mind is very impressionable. Let us see to it that this first impression of a show shall not carry with it recollections of vice, vulgarity and dishonesty.
"The committee of which I have the honor to be chairman invites you to ask for such information as you may want with reference to the matters outlined above, and invites you to forward to it any information you may have acquired and which you would eeem of interest to this committee.
"Yours truly.
Undoubtedly these suggestions for a letter could be much improved upo but it is submitted as a starter.
Arrangements might be made with Press-Clipping Bureaus to get all press comments after the shows have gone. Information so gained could be used for future occasions.
If The Billboard approves of these suggestions, which I am sure will prove interesting to many showmen, nearly all of whom profess to be honest business men, and if The Billboard will ask all these honest showmen to subscribe to a clean-up movement, I am sure that 1923 will see tented shows purged of the undesirables and their practices. Those showmen who have always conducted their organizations along clean, business lines, and who have made the tented shows popular, will be glad to see these abuses removed, because, no matter how well entrenched they may be in the enjoyment of public confidence, they can not help feeling in some measure, humilitated by being at least brought into general classification with the "graft" shows. Those who will be foreced out of their field and into the fold need not put on mourning - the old adage applies more powerfully than ever before: "Honesty is the best policy."
Arthur Burson reports that the Gentry Bros. Famous Shows closed in Houston, Tex., September 23.
Mrs. Howard (Mother), who was wardrobe mistress on the Howe Show this season, is in Kansas City, purchasing wardrobe for next season.
The Campbell Bros. winter quarters are located at New Egypt, N. J., instead of Little Egypt, N. J., as mentioned in last week's issue.
The Aerial Clarks, foot jugglers and double trapeze artists, are still with Cole Bros. Circus. They have spent one of the best seasons through Quebec, Canada and the New England States.
Mrs. Ed C. Knupp, wife of Ed C. Knupp, general agent of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, who died in Jamestown, N. Y., September 22, was a sister of the late Ernie Waters, well-known circus agent.
Martin Carr, who had been with the Brown & Embree United Shows for the past two seasons, died September 12 at the Fairfax Hospital, Fairfax, Ok., following an operation for appendicitis. Mr. Carr, who was 33 years old, had been connected with various circuses, including Ringling Bros., Sells-Floto, W. H. Coulter, Dickey's Wild West, Cole Bros., Gollmar Bros., and others. He is survived by a brother in McIntosh, S. D.
Bert Deare, wire artist with the Mighty Haag Shows, and Nellie B. McClure, stenographer, of New Harmony, Ind., were married September 28.
Billboard, October 14, 1922, pp. 72, 73, 75, 114. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Great Keystone Show played the eastern shore of Maryland last week to good business. Harry (Pete) Heilman left the band at Greensboro, Md., to accept a theater job in Philadelphia. Tom Nelson is doing a wire act in the big show and a monolog in the concert. Bright Jones has put on a hamburger stand for the Southern tour. Tim O'Brien is putting on the clown acts and plays tuba in the band. This winter he will take out a moving picture show and play in Georgia. Ralph Russell joined at East New Market, Md., doing singing clown and working in clown acts. The show will be out until late in December. H. R. Brison Jr., age 5, is doing a singing and talking clown act in the show, assisted by the writer. - H. R. Brison (for the show)
Billy Walsh is on the advance of the Sells-Floto Circus.
The veteran, Sig. Sautelle, is doing "Punch" with Fink's Carnival Company.
George (Shorty) Shirey, who was candy butcher on the Walter L. Main Circus this season, is now night clerk at the Phillips Hotel, Pottsville, Pa.
After the close of the Lucky Bill Show October 14, William J. and Mille Irwin, upside-down and slack wire juggglers, will go to their home in Steelville, Mo. for the winter.
In 1863-'64 Lake's Circus had its winter quarters in Douglas & Smith's foundry, Zanesville, O. William Taylor now living on Lee street, was a rider in the circus. He is 75 years old.
J. W. Bonhomme and son closed a pleasant engagement with the Mighty Haag Show at Rosiclare, Ill. He will put out a hall show, carrying five people, this winter and next spring will launch a tent show.
G. W. (Shanty) Embleton, who had the lights on the Sells-Floto Circus for the past fourteen seasons, left the show at Wichita, Kan., and has returned to Chicago for the winter. Mrs. Embleton took tickets on one of the reserved seat gates.
Albert Sigsbee closed a successful season of 21 weeks as general agent for Lindeman Bros. Motor Circus. The show closed in Wild Rose, Wis., September 30.
The Rippel Bros. Show will close a successful season of thirty weeks on October 18, reports owner Gus Rippel. The same people that opened with the show will close with it. They include Three Lassers, Jack, Gene, Gharles, Marguerite, Bobby and Gus Rippel, Warren Brown, Homer Hoffman, and the working force. The show will winter at Orange, Va.
The writer visited the M. L. Clark Shows and Sanger Trained Wild Animal Circus at Smithfield, N. C., night of October 2. Ada Miller, on the wire, was the great favorite, with the ease of dancing and racing on the wire. The clowns, though few in number, and the "pep" that received laughs. The big elephant did its stunts well, and the dogs and ponies worked in harmony. A little more light in the big top and some more aerial acts would tone up the big show. Couldn't hand the side show very much, its biggest card being the "cooch," straight, blowoff and a three-card monte worker. - Leon Murrell Hewitt
A. F. Tuttle, veteran trouper, who at the time of his death was associated with the Ralph E. Nicols Comedians, died in McGregor, Tex., October 2, of cancer. Funeral services and interment took place in Yoacum, Tex., October 6. Mr. Tuttle is survived by his widow, Mrs. Margaret Tuttle; two daughters, Mrs. Ralph E. Nicols and Mrs. Ed Thardo, and a grandson, Paul C. Thardo.
Billboard, October 21, 1922, pp. 72, 73, 74, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Birmingham, Ala., Oct. 13. Gollmar Bros. Circus will winter again in Montgomery. It will arrive there on October 30 and take up quarters at Vandiver Park.
J. W. Ellis informs us that he has entered into a partnership with James J. Lamb, oldtime circus performer, to put out Ellis Bros. Shows, a twelve to fifteen wagon organization, horse drawn, season of 1923. Three of the wagons are already completed, and ten head of stock are in winter quarters at Foraker, O. The big show top will be a fifty with a thirty foot middle piece, and everything will be new. No side show will be carried, but there will be an up-town wagon in which "Billy," the live sheep with two complete separate bodies and six legs fully formed, will be featured. Artist Stover of Lima,O., has completed a fine pictorial banner front for same. Advance work will be done by auto. A special dining car will be carried and all people, including working men, will have living quarters in wagons. Prior to opening next April the management will put on some indoor circuses. Jim Lamb will be in charge of winter quarters.
Louis Bartlett, who was on the Howe Show this season, joined the Three Lordons in New York.
Fitz and Witz, novelty acrobats, are playing indoor circuses.
Colleano's Circus, an Australian show, has grown so in size that it now is compelled to use special train service.
Walter Allen, who was with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, will be with Stick Davenport this winter, playing indoor circus engagements.
Robert and Billie Woody, who were on the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, have joined the M. L. Clark Shows for the balance of the season.
Delno Fritz, well known sword swallower, who recently completed an eight months' engagement in Honolulu and the Hawaiian Islands, under the management of E. K. Fernandez, has joined his niece, Edna Price, who is with the Ringling-Barnum Circus.
The J. J. Evans Society Circus closes the season at Circleville, O., week of October 16, after playing sixteen Ohio fairs. Mr. Evans will open his Jubilee Minstrels on November 15. He recently purchased a new combination car to carry his show over the road.
The Jack Moore Trio has closed its vaudeville engagements for the W. V. M. A. Circuit and opened Shrine indoor circus engagements at Grand Forks, N. D., week October 16. Jack Moore informs that he has twelve weeks' consecutive time from Orrin Davenport, manager of the Detroit Shrine Indoor Circus Corporation.
The Gollmar Bros.-Yankee Robinson Combined Shows showed in Blackwell, Ok., October 2.
Juanita Nelson, of the famous Flying Nelson Troupe, with the Sells-Floto Circus, spends her winters in Knoxville, Tenn., the home of the world famous act.
Youngstown, O., Oct. 13. The Schultz Family, owners of the Schultz Motorized Circus, is looking for a location in Youngstown to establish permanent headquarters with a ring barn and winter lodging for the animals and paraphernalia belonging to the show. The Schultz outfit in the summer travels in twenty motor vans. The animals in the show include bears, monkeys, trained ponies and dogs. William Schultz, who for seveal seasons has offered his motorized circus to the smaller towns of Ohio, opened here indoors this week at the Princess Theater. His program, complete, including all the animal acts, was featured in the Princess bill. Schultz will continue to move by truck so long as the weather will permit, he says.
Winchester Rearick, said to have been one of the first acrobats who ever turned a double somersault over five horses, died at his home in Cedar Rapids, Ia., October 8. For more than two decades Mr. Rearick trouped with various tented organizations throughout the country as a ground tumbler, trapeze performer and clown. He is believed to have begun his circus career in about 1875. He had been living in retirement in Cedar Rapids for several years.
Billboard, October 28, 1922, pp. 80, 81, 83, 114. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Haag Shows are going to play Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin next season for the first time on wagons. It will be a two ring show, carrying twenty cages and five elephants in the menagerie, two bands and a calliope. It will be one of the largest overland shows ever organized, and will put in the usual season of forty to fifty weeks. The parade will be a special feature, will all new harness, cages and trappings. This show is alwyas clean, never carried a girl show or joints and even the 10 cent merchandise concessions will be eliminated. All of which is according to Frank McGuyre, with the Haag Shows.
The writer, on October 14, had the pleasure of meeting Mike Golden and looking over the Howe Great London Shows, which are in winter quarters at Hawkeye Fair grounds, Fort Dodge, Ia. The animals are all quartered under the grand stand, which is well heated. The draft horses are quartered in two of the large horse barns, while the ring stock is in the speed barns, and practically each horse has a private box. Just now about thirty people are being employed as caretakers. The painters, blacksmiths, wagon workers, etc., will come in a short time. Mr. Golden has a cookhouse and rooms for all on the fair grounds. The thirty railroad cars are about one-half mile from the headquarters. The general offices are maintained in the administration building. The famous six-lion act, which was worked in the steel arena on the show, left a few days ago for a twenty-two weeks' engagement in vaudeville. The menagerie is open to visitors at all times, and admission fee of ten cents being charged. The show will go out early in 1923. G. W. Tremain
Jack Warren, press agent for the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, has been engaged to handle the press back with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus Winter Edition, which will stage indoor circuses in the larger cities this winter.
Claude Orton and wife closed with the Walter L. Main Circus and are visiting relatives in Knoxville, Tenn. They will be back with the Main Show next season.
K. Riley Mathuze, aerial gymnast, writes: "After closing with the Gentry Bros. Most Famous Shows, am located in Winston-Salem, N. C., for the winter."
Frank T. Kelly, the transcontinental trouper, writes that he has closed with the Al G. Barnes Circus. He was in the cookhouse, under the supervision of Slim King. Kelly is now working at the Sacramento (Calif.) Hospital.
Word from Frank W. Leasia, owner of Leasia's One-Ring Circus, reaches us that he did not put out his show this season on account of conditions which did not look favorable to him. He expects to take out the show next season.
The Bealls closed their shows at Cape Charles, Va. They sold part of their outfit to the Brown & Dyer (carnival) Shows. The Bealls expect to open early in April with an entirely new outfit, to be known as Howard Beall's One-Ring Circus.
Frank McGuyre writes that he closed with the Haag Shows March 17, 1922, opened with the John Robinson Circus as contracting agent March 20, finished the season with the latter show at Centralia, Ill., September 23, and opened "back home" with the Haag Show September 25. Said he had a pleasant season with the Robinson Circus, receiving his bonus in full, a check for $842, at the end of the season, besides his regular salary for a "first-season" agent.
R. F. Myers' Circus is now in Zeigler, Ill., where it will remain until the middle of May, when it will go out on five wagons and play Indiana and Kentucky territory. Mr. Myers will also have a small stock company out next season, to be known as Myers' Egyptian Stock Company, which will probably be managed by Claude Vaughn. The title of the circus will be R. F. Myers Bros. Circus and Wild West. Howard L. Myers will be the brother in the circus title. The circus will play small towns under the auspices of the Boy Scouts whenever possible, and charge from 15 to 30 cents.
Ill health, attributable to advancing age, is causing the retirement to a sunny home at Miami, Fla., of Vernon C. Seaver, theatrical, circus and amusement park man. . . .
Nelson W. Gilmore, 31, died at the Kissell-Hatfield Hospital, Huntington, W. Va., October 13, of a complication of diseases, following a lingering illness. Mr. Gilmore had been with the Hagenbeck-Wallace, John Robinson, Howe's Great London and Rhoda Royal circuses. He had been a ticket seller with the first three of the above named shows and press agent with the Rhoda Royal Circus, his engagement with that organization terminating at the end of the season just passed. He was also known to the "paper" fraternity. Services were held by the Elks at Huntington, immediately before the body was shipped to Cincinnati, where interment was made in Spring Grove Cemetery, October 16. Surviving are a widow, two-year-old son, parents and two sisters.
George Siebert, 53, a circus trouper for the past fifteen or more years, died the night of October 12, at Research Hospital, Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Siebert resided at 4409 Garfield avenue, Kansas City. Surviving are four brothers and three sisters. Funeral services were held at the Carroll and Mast Chapel October 14, with interment in Forest Hill Cemetery, Kansas City.
Rose Wold, wire walker with Harmston's Circus, died in the Far East recently of appendicitis.
August Jansley and Marion Tahar, both members of the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus, were married in San Antonio, Tex., October 9.
Billboard, November 4, 1922, pp. 72, 73, 74, 75, 93, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Al G. Barnes Circus closed the season at Gainesville, Tex., October 27, and will winter at Love Field Aviation Grounds, Dallas, Tex., instead of on the West Coast as in former years.
Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 25. W. H. Miles, legal adjuster for the Gollmar Bros. Circus, was shot through the abdomen by Deputy Sheriff E. J. Putman at Earle, Ark., on Monday, and died at St. Joseph's Hospital here the next night. Putman was placed under arrest after the shooting by Sheriff W. L. Fish of Crittenden County and gave bond in the sum of $5,000. He was said to have been drunk at the time. Mr. Miles, according to G. D. Calvit, assistant to Mr. Miles, had been sent to the side show of the circus to quell a disturbance. He found Putman inside and persuaded him to go outside, suggesting that he go to see the big show. On the way out, according to Mr. Calvit, Putman became unruly and in an argument fired one shot. Miles fell. Dan Odom, manager of the circus, came to Miles' aid and sent a phone message to Memphis for an ambulance. . . . Mr. Miles was a resident of Los Angeles, Calif., where he was preparing to spend the winter. He was the sole support of a crippled father and one sister, who live in Los Angeles. Mr. Miles was a member of the Elks, Knights of Pythias and the Moose.
Pewee, the acrobatic clown, and his goose auto worked at the Shriners' Circus at Houston, Tex.
Eddie James, chef and manager of the baseball club on the Clark-Sanger Show, has returned to the show after a week's confinement in a hospital.
Sam Freed writes that this season was the first in fifteen years that he hasn't trouped, but that he will have his own show, an overland outfit, on the road next season.
Henry C. Pullman, formerly in the circus business, is at the Strand Theater, Buffalo, N. Y., where he has been taking tickets since 1913. He is 84 years old.
Andrew Downie announced that he has booked the Walter L. Main Circus for five big fair dates in the East for season 1923 under flat guarantees.
William Marks, of the original Marks family of circus performers and at one time with a New York Hippodrome production, is doing his "rube" clown advertising for some stores in Orlando, Fla.
Since leaving the Gentry Show as boss butcher, Ed C. Brown is now located in Richmond, Mo., where he will remain until the first of April.
Thomas Whiteside, of the Whitesides Trio, wire act, which closed with the Gollmar Bros. Circus after a seventeen weeks' tour, is back with the Jack Moore Troupe, playing Shrine indoor circuses.
Roy Fortune had been with the Liniger Bros. Circus-Vaudeville Motorized Show, which closed the season at Hopedale, O., October 17. One more truck will be added to this show next season, which will make five one-ton trucks.
Carrie M. Scott, formerly in vaudeville and burlesque, and with the John Robinson, Hagenbeck-Wallace and Howe's Great London shows, is now located in Memphis, Tenn., with her husband, J. T. Etzel, known in minstrel and circus as Jack T. Crawford. They have a large stock, poultry and duck farm there.
There was quite a lively time in Wake Forest, N. C., October 21, when the M. L. Clark Show was there. A free-for-all fight took place and three men were injured by pistol bullets. It is said that the trouble grew out of ill-feeling between the show people, who had pitched their tent in the cotton mill district of Wake Forest, about a mile from the college campus. The Raleigh (N. C.) Times in its issue of October 24 carried the following report: "About eleven o'clock Saturday one of the show people, Andrew Jones, shot Vannie Mangum, of the Falls of Neuse, through the calf of his leg, the bullet coming out about his ankle. This was the way the fight started and which lasted for some ten or twenty minutes. Clark's star juggler, Bob Peasley, was struck by a bullet in his arm, breaking the bone. Another member of the troupe was hit in the back by a volley of gun shots, but was not seriously injured. . . . Mayor Mills of Wake Forest issued a warrant for Andrew Jones, the show employee who fired the shot that started the combat, but it is said that he left the vicinity early Sunday morning."
Chicago, Oct. 26. "Whitey" Lehrter and wife are back from a season with the Walter L. Main Circus, where Mr. Lehrter was boss canvasman. He has been re-engaged for next year.
Clyde Rialdo, owner and manager of the Dog and Pony and Monkey Circus bearing his name, which has been operated for many years both as an overland independent show and with various organizations, informed last week that his attraction, which has been one of the big features with the Siegrist & Silbon Shows this year, would close at Higginsville, Mo., October 30 and go to its permanent winter quarters at Columbus, Kan. He intends starting from Columbus next spring with a somewhat larger presentation.
Thos. E. Addy, old-time showman, died October 5 in Philadelphia after an illness which lasted five years. He was for years with the Burr Robbins Shows, and also lectured at the Harlem Museum, later traveling all over the country. His widow and two sons survive. Mrs. Addy was the daughter of Walter Beren, who played with Edwin Booth and Thomas Keane.
William Bullion, better known at "Bill Ice," circus trouper, died the morning of October 26 at St. Mary's Hospital, Detroit, Mich., following a lingering illness. He had been with the Sparks Circus for the past six years as assistant to C. B. Frederick in the privilege car with the show. His widow,Nan Bullion, survives.
Joe Sully, of the acrobatic team of Sully, Rogers and Sully, died October 24 at the Harlem Hospital, New York, of injuries received while rehearsing the act with a new man who was taking the place of one of the deceased's team mates who was sick. Sully's spine was injured beyond relief. At the time of the accident the act was playing U. B. O. Time. Sully's family name was Frank Shevette. Funeral services were held October 25 at Stephen Merritt's undertaking establishment, 2343 Eighth avenue, New York City.
Col. W. E. West, 71, veteran showman, who is reputed to have made several world tours, died at his home in Boston October 17, after a prolonged illness. Col. West's illness began in 1916 when by mistake he took poison believing it to be medicine, which gradually undermined his constitution. He had been under physicians' care for almost six years. Col. West was with the old "Pogy" O'Brien and Yankee Robinson circuses in 1859,and with the J. B. Dorris Shows in 1860. A few years later he want to Central America, returning from there with "Little Ago," who soon became the wonder of the show world. He organized the Weeks & West Shows, and of late years had been located at Dominion Park, Montreal, Can., where he operated several shows and concessions. He was a member of the Wilminton (Del.) Lodge of F. O. E. Aerie No. 94, and was also a member of the Elks. His remains were sent from Boston to Providence, R. I., where funeral services were held. Interment was in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Providence.
Quintus Whitmore, 74, formerly for many years a circus trouper and manager, and who also operated Punch and Judy shows, died at his home, 910 E. Congress street, Detroit, October __, after a lingering illness. Mr. Whitmore started his circus career at the age of 14 and was in turn a chore boy, acrobat and proprietor. He was a member of the Elks. He died almost penniless. His widow survives.
Billboard, November 11, 1922, pp. 72, 73, 75, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Little Herbert Hobson, age 12, now billed as Herberta Hobson, rider on the Sells-Floto Circus, is doing wonderful work with his brother, Homer. Herbert does forwards down, under, "two highs" and everything. His debut as a full fleged riding member of the Hobson family is the talk of the show.
Lancaster, Mo., Nov. 3. Honest Bill purchased an elephant from Col. Wm. P. Hall, shortly after his arrival in Lancaster, Mo., and is on the lookout for several more. Pee-Wee Stevens, the calliope player, is spending the winter here and nightly makes the natives sit up and listen to his piano playing at one of the cafes. Col. Hall takes the same keen delight in showing visitors through the animal barns as he did when they housed the show that bore his name, some seventeen years ago. D. F. Masten, master mechanic, was in Kansas City purchasing supplies for the repair department.
Fred Gay, late of John Robinson clown alley, is a recent addition to the Sparks dressing room.
Johnny Judge writes that he joined the Shipp & Feltus Circus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South America.
Joe Baker informs that he has been second agent for the American Light Opera Company since leaving the Al B. Barnes Circus.
W. C. Gallagher writes that he closed a successful season on Gollmar Bros. Circus brigade and is now located in Fall River, Mass.
Curly Lee Marvin, former advance agent for Capt. Jellison's deep-sea attractions, informs that he will probably launch a one-ring circus next season, under the title of the Marvin & Morris Combined Shows.
E. L. Kelly, aerialist, with the John Robinson Circus this season, will spend the winter in Indianapolis instead of St. Louis as heretofore. He will work out in a gymnasium there and play fairs next season with a much larger act.
Frank Curran (his full name is Francis Earl Curran) left the Al G. Barnes Circus as side show manager at Pittsburg, and has been playing fairs and home-comings with free attractions.
Quintus Whitmore, otherwise known as "Quaint, the Musician," who had been associated with the show business since a boy, died in Detroit, Mich., October 26, at the age of 73 years. He was not buried by the Elks as stated in last week's issue of The Billboard, but by Detroit friends, interment being at Rosedale Cemetery.
Dewel Lukins, who had the menagerie refreshment stand with the Walter L. Main Circus the past season, and Tom Howard, of clown alley on the Main Show, who live in Pleasantville, N. J., drop in daily to see their old-time circus friend, Frank B. Hubin, at his large establishment on the famous Boardwalk at Atlantic City.
New York, Oct. 30. Santos & Artigas' Show opened October 13 at Payret Theater, Havana, to poor business. It is too early in the season. There was no outstanding feature in the show. All acts were good, but the show was poorly staged. The show was a flop. After 24 hours, Shaw's Sporting Dogs gave their notice, on account of the heat being too much ofr the animals. I was treated wonderfully, socially and financially, and have nothing to complain about. (signed) T. W. Shaw.
The Gollmar Show played to big business in Oklahoma and Arkansas towns. The show did not close at Humboldt, Tenn., October 31, as stated in The Billboard, but at Blocton, Ala., November 4. - E. W. Adams (for the show)
The side show, pit show and concert with the Rose Kilian Shows have been doing a big business under the writer's management. A feature in the concert is Archill DeSilva's strong act, pulling against a team of horses and an auto. The Reids (Harry and Iva) joined last week. They are doing an escape and impalement act in the side show, replacing the LaMontes, who left to put out their own show for the winter. Fred Daller is now handling the front of the pit show, succeeding Wm. Kempsmith, who has been promoted to an important position on the advance. "Dixie Maid," an equine that does a mindreading act, is the hit of the side show performance. The high price of cotton has given a new impetus to business and the management looks forward to a good all-winter business. - Frank Belmont (for the show)
Will A. Chase, contractor and billposter, who at various times was with many of the best-known circuses, and who at one time was famous as a high diver and wire walker, died at his home in Hawkeye, Ia., October 27, of pulmonary tuberculosis. He was with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus and Wild West Show the past season and had signed to troupe with the same organization next year. He was a member of the L. O. O. M. Surviving are his aged father, who resides in Iowa City, Ia.; a sister, of Minneapolis, and a brother, of Alberta, Can. Funeral services were conducted from the Methodist Church, Hawkeye, Ia.
Dennie Higgins, well-known circus trouper, died suddenly at Ruleville, Miss., October 23. At the time of his death Mr. Higgins was with the Wheeler Bros. Shows, having joined that organization at Moorehead, Miss., October 18. Interment was at Ruleville. At his writing his relatives had not been located and apprised of his demise.
Nita Peasley, circus performer and wife of Bob Peasley, of Hazelwood, Pa., died at the home of her sister-in-law, Mrs. William Devore, 5224 Lytle street, Hazelwood, after a short illness.
Lee Wart, an employee of the M. L. Clark and Sons Circus, is reported to have been killed at Lyles Spur, near Alexandria, La., two weeks ago by an unknown negro who was attempting to gain entrance to the performance by crawling under the tent. The deceased was a resident of Dayroon, Ok., to which place the body was sent.
Ernest H. Tucker and Madam Lorett, both members of the John Robinson Circus the past season, were married in Chicago shortly after the show closed. The Robinson outfit terminated its season at Centralia, Ill., October 12.
Billboard, November 18, 1922, pp. 72, 73, 74, 75, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Great Keystone Wagon Show is now in North Carolina and finding business only fair. Bob Russell, a former trouper, gave the show the once over at Conway, N. C. Bob is now in the contracting business and has his teams working on the State road. He told manager Dock that he expects to take out the Russell Bros. Wagon Show next season. Wiley Ferris has again joined the Keystone Show after being away for two seasons. Wiley closed his moving picture show at Chester, Va., October 25. Mr. Dock will have the Keystone Show out all winter and will have the wagons and seats painted in a few weeks. Bright Jones, Curvin Zech and the writer and family will leave the show the latter part of November. Jones will go to his home in Reading and Zech will depart for Brockton, Mass. Mr. Zech disposed of his animals through his advertisement in The Billboard, but was unable to sell his side show as a whole. Ralph Bucks, baritone, and Harry Lefuer, wire artist and juggler, recently joined the show. Mr. Lefuer finished playing independent fair dates. - H. R. Brison (for the show)
The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus which opened the season at Louisville, Ky., April 22 and closed at Trenton, Tenn., November 2, had a total mileage of 13,203 miles. The show was out twenty-seven weeks and five days, actual show days being 168. Nineteen states and two provinces in Canada were visited.
Geo. M. Burk, who was with the Walter L. Main Circus, is now in charge of the baggage stock on the Rubin & Cherry (carnival) Shows.
Joe Coyle visited the home offices of The Billboard last week, following the close of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. Joe will be with the winter edition of this show.
Doc Whitham has purchased four ponies and a troup of fox terriers, and is getting an act in shape at Syracuse, N. Y., for next season. Elmer Keator is in charge of winter quarters.
Frank Braden and Bob Hickey will alternate towns ahead of the American Circus Corporation winter circus.
B. J. Hennard and sons recently bought another new truck. They intend to start out next spring with a modern motorized show, consisting of seven trucks of from two to five ton capacity.
Harry Turner, boss hostler of the Atterbury Show, has secured a position with the Watson Coal Co., of Sioux City, Ia., for the winter. He is using six of the circus teams in hauling coal.
Clyde H. Willard, who was squaring banners on Tim Sammon's brigade with the Ringling-Barnum Show the past season, is now at his home in Union, S. C.
Ralph Cantin, late of the Wheeler Bros., Yankee Robinson, Rhoda Royal and L. J. Heth (carnival) Shows, writes that he is now located in Birmingham, Ala., managing a kosher restaurant.
Loos and Loos, aerialists, are at their home in Canton, O. Bookings this winter will take the act where indoor circuses will be staged.
Goldsberry Bros. are busy in Detroit getting their props in shape for indoor circus dates this winter. They closed with the Wade & May (carnival) Shows.
Sid and Lillian Kridello, wire walkers and jugglers, and the canine, "Prince," closed October 1 with the Casselman Motorized Show.
Frank A. Goldie, manager of Cole Bros. side show, has returned to the circus after being called home a number of weeks ago to the bedside of his invalid wife, who passed away October 18. Mrs. Goldie had many friends with the Cole Bros. and Jones Bros. shows, known as Mother Goldie.
Canton, O., Nov. 10. The Charles Siegrist troupe of aerialists, for many seasons with the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Shows, reached home this week, following a season with the big show. In the act were Charles Siegrist and wife, Dorothy Siegrist, Joe Siegrist, Frank Shive and wife, Harry Tritch and Jack Maloy.
The days of the wagon shows are coming back. There never was a time when the outlook was as promising as right now. The shows have all grown so large that it is impossible for them to play the small towns or even towns of 5,000, and the showman with a twenty-wagon outfit can pick his territory and have practically no opposition. Ernest Haag has proven that a wagon show, even in the South in the summer, can make money, and Sig Sautelle demonstrated the fact that a wagon show through the East would earn a handsome profit in one season. James Hodges, who has been a carnival follower for years and has the reputation fo being one of the best pit showmen, has gathered together horses, wagons and a nice outfit, and backed by Salisbury, N. C. capital, will put out a wagon show in the spring. Frank Stowell, who was one of the main fellows around the Sig Sautelle Show, has been figuring for years about putting out a wagon show and has, while covering the local news for The Glen Falls Times-Star at Fort Edwards, N. Y., assembled a show that can play through Northern New York and get some money.
George Barton, who is putting in the winter at Coatesville, Pa., who had out a Wild West Show through Pennsylvania and the South after closing with the Cook Bros. Show, is going to put out next Spring a wagon show in the coal regions. He has already at his sales stables in Coatesville forty head of stock, big and litte, and about fourteen baggage wagons. Ed Brown, old-time trouper up at Bath, Me., has had a small wagon show out for several years in that territory and has carried vaudeville and pictures. He states that next Spring he will have a real old-fashioned one-ring circus traveling by truck and playing Eastern Maine and Aroostook County. He will open at Bath and work North to Rockland and then into Aroostock. He states that Charlie Prescott, of Rockland, who had the Great Eastern Circus out some twenty years ago, is also framing up a wagon show to play Eastern Maine. Charlie is now in the trucking business at Rockland and has plenty of wagons and horses. With him will be associated Charles Cook, a Rockland grocer. - Fletcher Smith
Horace Laird, producing clown for many years, is conducting a school for clowning at his home at Chester, Pa. He has now ten or more of Chester's young fellows who are being taught clown walkarounds and being schooled for the coming circus season. They will make their debut at a department store at Philadelphia during the holidays and will be with one of the big shows next spring. The idea originated with the late Harry Clark, who broke in some twenty young fellows at Toledo, O., and brought them to the Cole Bros. Show, where they were turned over to Joe Berris. Joe even went so far as to make Roman standing riders out of them. Bert Fisher was one of the boy and he is still in the game, doing his Hebrew impersonation that Harry Clark taught him.
A new wagon show is to take the road next season under the title of Burlingame Bros. Circus, owned and managed by J. A. and E. C. Burlingame, and consisting of eight wagons. The performance will be given under a 60 by 90 top. The dressing room top will be a 20 by 30. The show will carry about twenty head of draft stock. The performance will be made up mainly of aerial and ground acts, with a six piece band to furnish the music. Advance work will be done by auto. Winter quarters have been esablished at New Martinsville, W. Va. The above data is according to the Burlingame Brothers.
Mrs. Emma Quinett Hendricks, 72, wife of William Quinett Hendricks, veteran circus trouper, and who also had been active in the profession for many years, died at her home, 302 S. Bever street, Wooster, O., November 6. Mrs. Hendricks passed away after an illness of several months. At the time of her marriage in 1878, she was a member of the Whitney Family, Swiss bell ringers. She was the mother of the Quinett Family, gymnasts and acrobats. Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks had been residing in Wooster for the past three years, previous to which Mr. Hendricks was with the Yankee Robinson Circus, of which Fred Buchanan was proprietor, for twelve years. Mr. Hendricks was general agent with that organization when it traveled overland, and is said to have made the first railroad contract for it. Mr. Hendrick's career as a circus attache covers a period of fifty-five years. The funeral services for Mrs. Hendricks were held at her late home, November 7.
William Silboni (Silbon), trapeze artist wiht Lloyd's Circus, died suddenly at Coolha, New South Wales, last September. The deceased is said to have been and son of one of the original members of the old and original Silbon-Stirk Troupe, the act which enjoyed great popularity in Australia about thirty-five years ago. Silboni was about 36 years old.
Billboard, November 25, 1922, pp. 80, 81, 82, 83, 114. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Marion, O., Nov. 16. Announcement is made here this week of the purchase of eighteen motorized circus wagons by R. F. Schiller, local hotel owner and veteran showman, form the Kelley-Springfield Truck Company. The formerly were owned by the Frank Spellman Motorized Circus. This winter the Marion man and his brother, John A. Schiller, of Chicago, expect to organize a circus and start on the road early in the spring.
Chicago, Nov. 17. Stephen M. Dade, for seventeen years elephant man with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, since he retired has been hidden in the mazes of the U. S. Railway Mail service.
Levi Kaufman, who handled the front door on the Gentry Bros. Show, is now located in Newark, N. J.
Their full names: Francis Andrew Cassidy.
George W. Ross, who was with the Gollmar show, has returned to his home in Vanceboro, Me.
Peggy Waddell will return to Europe at the close of the tour of Christy Bros. Shows.
Vernon Reaver, having finished his duties ahead of the Sparks Circus, has gone to his home in Des Moines, Ia.
The Clark Duo, who were with the Gollmar Bros. Circus, have been re-engaged for next season.
Following the season's close of the Gollmar Bros. Shows, Jack Pfeiffenberger, boss canvasman of the side show, returned to his home in Cincinnati, O.
Albert Williams, assistant electrician with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus since 1918, will be back with the H.-W. show next season.
Sparks Circus will close at Hawkinsville, Ga., December 2, after a season of thirty-five weeks.
The Alderfer Show, in Jones, La., is a neat overland show of twelve-wagon size. With the show are Scott Ruth, trapeze; Sawyer Family (Mr. Sawyer is leader of the twelve piece band); Sylvia Alderfer, rolling ball and slack wire; Garnell Family of midgets and others.
Kansas City. Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Cooper are making this city their home, as is their custom, for the winter. They were with the Wheeler Bros. Circus, with Elmer H. Jones, the past season. Mr. Cooper has opened the Cooper Cleaning Company, on West 17th street.
The Wallett Family have always been prominent in the circus business. They were riders, wire walkers and at one time put on almost the entire show with the Sun Bros. Now they are located at Havre de Grace, Md., where Mrs. Wallett is making money with a grocery store and the senior Wallett is breaking in a new act for next season with his daughter Rose and her new husband, Leo Kerns. Rose took the place of Edith Costello with Ed Walton in his big riding act, as Edith was called to her home at Henderson, N. C., during the illness of her father Dave Costello [Castello]. The Walletts and the Costello families are kin and originally came from England. They were both for years with the Barnum show.
James (Rabbitt) Rowe, who had charge of the reserved seats with the Main Circus the past season, is finishing the season with the Christy Bros. Show and will engage this winter in the novelty business, working in department stores around Kansas City.
Two members of the Main show the past season are now engaged in the same business. Harry Seymour, the legal adjuster, went to his home at Wilkes-Barre and immediately opened his winter season at conduction auction sales at local jewelry stores and Leon Blondin fell into a like job at Baltimore.
Charlie Sweeney, equestrian director of the Main show, and his wife are spending the winter at Peru, Ind., and Charlie will, as usual, be found as custodian of the Elks' Home.
Joe Gilligan, in charge of the service truck with the Main show for the past two seasons, has left for Camden, N. J., where he will put in the winter as substitute driver on the fire department.
John and Tina Clark, of the Main show, are spending the winter at Louisville, Ky. R. N. Jackson, who was side show band leader, will winter in Cincinnati. He is re-engaged for next season.
The Rowand, Ed and Tillie, bag punchers with the Walter L. Main Circus the past season, are at their home in New Jersey and will play vaudeville for the remainder of the winter. They have been signed up for next season with the Main show.
George Hanneford, actor and brother of "Poodles" Hanneford, and Catherine Breen, of the Breen Family, were married at the Church of the Transfiguration (The Little Churchs Around the Corner), New York, November 14.
A. G. Megette and Edith Ernesto, both of the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus, were married in New York City, November 11. Mr. Megett is a member of the Wild West show, and his bride a member of the Ernesto riding act.
Billboard, December 2, 1922, p. 73. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Myers are located at Ashland, Ky., for the winter. Myers is in the wholesale and retail honey business.
Horace Laird, producing clown of the Walter L. Main Circus, will again be with that show next season.
Arthur Borella, clown, who closed his summer season with Sells-Floto Circus at Ardmore, Ok., November 8, opened in Milwaukee, November 14 with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Winter Circus.
Billy and Milly Lindeman are now the sole owners of the Lindeman Bros. Motorized Circus, reports Art Young for the show. The show will opne April 29 next season.
Bill Campbell, of the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus, visited the Great Keystone Show at Coneta, N. C., and sold to manager Dock a lion, bear and a cage, which were added to the side show. Mr. Dock will keep the show out all winter, says H. R. Brison.
J. M. Carrington, who fifty years ago was owner of Carrington's Circus, then one of the larger traveling organizations which toured the country throughout the year, died recently in Richmond, Va., at the age of seventy-five years. The funeral was held a South Boston, Va., November 20.
Billboard, December 9, 1922, pp. 72, 73, 114. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Stickney and daughter, with their horses, dogs and ponies, will make a six months' tour of Central and South America with Signor E. Saenz's Circus.
The Great Keystone Show encountered a little snowstorm at Beulaville, N. C., November 27. Doc Taylor and Frank Sternard are now in advance, replacing George Christie, who went to Victoria, Va. Art Eldridge and wife, with dogs and ponies, and the Aerial Shelleys have joined.
Chas. Katz and his bear act, this season with the Sparks Circus, will play vaudeville this winter.
Herbert (Slats) Beeson writes that he has canceled his contract for 1923 with the Sells-Floto Circus as the feature wire act.
L. B. Greenhaw, contracting agent of the Sparks Circus the past season, will spend the winter with his uncle in Los Angeles.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. DeMott have purchased a home and business property at Memphis and Dauphin streets, Philadelphia. They have said good-by to the circus world.
Fred Doodles DeMarrs and Andrew DeMarrs, who were with the John Robinson Circus will be in Chicago for the winter. Mr. DeMarrs is working in the clothing department of an establishment there.
Mr. and Mrs. Edw. B. Trees closed with the Al G. Barnes Circus at Dallas, Tex. Mr. Trees was superintendent of animals and Mrs. Trees superintendent of wardrobe with the show. It is said that Mr. Trees will be connected with an oil company in Los Angeles.
Will Delavoye, clown, has sold his Chicago property and bought a country home at East Point, Ga., six miles from Atlanta. He still has five acres of land at Saratoga, N. Y., which he bought at the close of the Adam Forepaugh Show's season 1891, also his Pensacola (Fla.) farm of eighty-six acres which he has had for sixteen years.
The Bonhomme Bros. Show is playing to nice business through Kentucky, according to J. W. Bonhomme. Arthur Whitier joined at Midland, handling the advance. There are six people with the show. Next spring Bonhomme declares he will put out at truck show.
Sydney Wire died Thanksgiving Day, November 30, of malignant sarcoma of the hip, at the Hospital of the Ruptured and Crippled, New York City. He had suffered long. He was at different time in Wild West (Pawnee Bill abroad), circus, burlesque, repertoire and finally carnival. He was born in England forty-eight years ago, was a naturalized citizen and a member of the Elks of Kewanee, Ill. A wife and two children survive. The burial took place December 2, from the Elks' Home, New York. He made his home at 715 Third avenue, New York.
L. E. McDonald, billposter, died of heart failure at Wesson, Miss., November 27. He had joined the Cole Bros. Circus at West Point, Miss., two weeks prior to his demise. Mr. McDonald had trouped with the Jones Bros., Rhoda Royal, Eschman, Sanger and other circuses. During the early part of the past season he worked as a concessionaire. His remains were shipped to his hime at Batesville, Ark., where his mother and sister reside.
James Donovan, for several seasons with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, and Florence O'Toole, non-professional, of Cincinnati, were married at St. Francis DeSales Church, Cincinnati, November 30. Donovan is the son of Emma Donovan, formerly a widely-known trapeze artist with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, and a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stickney Sr., circus riders.
Billboard, December 16, 1922, pp. 120, 122, 124, 125, 128. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Norris & Rowe Circus and Wild Animal Show will take the road early in March, going out on wagons from San Diego, Calif. Harry Payne, manager of the Spreckels Theater of San Diego, will be associated with C. I. Norris, formerly senior partner of the Greater Norris & Rowe Shows, and will play the Pacific Coast, carrying 80 head of stock, 25 wagons and 50 or 60 people. A circus menagerie and side show will also be featured. The show, it is announced, will be a clean aggregation, catering especially to women and children.
The Mighty Haag Show was enlarged to two rings at Camden, Ala., where it played to capacity, both afternoon and evening, under a new top. The Moralas Family, late of the Gollmar Bros. Circus, joined at Camden. Business has been so satisfactory that it has been decided to lengthen the season well into January. However, the show will winter for a few weeks at Marianna, Fla., as all new equipment has been ordered and shipped to that point. Next season the Haag Show will be one of the finest and largest overland circuses on the road. The writer will be general manager and general agent, assisted by Harry Haag. I will be back with the show three weeks at a time and ahead one week. - Frank McGuyre.
The Christy Bros. Circus closed its season November 25 in Louisiana. Business the last week fell off on account of extremely cold weather. Several days' billing was "blowed" (passed up) on account of the premature closing. It is reported that the show had a good season on the whole, and that active preparations are now being made to enlarge it to a 15-car outfit for season 1923.
Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 8. "Moms," a giant female elephant, reached Memphis today from West Baden, Ind., and has been added to the menagerie of the Great Sanger Circus owned by Floyd and Howard King, which is in winter quarters here. "Moms" is the elephant which created a sensation at the St. Louis Fair in 1904 with the Carl Hagenbeck Show, being exhibited with her baby elephant several months old. When the Carl Hagenbeck Show was on the road as a circus in 1905 and 1906 the elephant was with the show. In the fall of 1906 when sold to the late B. E. Wallace of Peru, Ind., "Moms" was disposed of to Howe's London Show. The pachyderm was purchased by the King Bros. from Messrs. Bowers, Mugivan and Ballard. Several weeks ago the King Bros. purchased "Nellie," a female elephant, from the Gollmar Bros. Circus. Two days later when the animal was en route to its new owners she mired in a swamp near Tupelo, Miss., and died from exhaustion soon after being rescued. This was the second elephant lost by the King Bros., "Little Hipp" dying here in winter quarters two years ago from pneumonia.
Macon, Ga., Dec. 6. Sparks Circus returned here Sunday morning and is again quartered at Central City Park. The show has been on tour for eight months and did good business. The railroad strike did not hamper this show as much as it did others. Manager Sparks is now in New York buying a larger tent and other equipment for the purpose of enlarging his show next season to three rings.
Sarasota, Fla., Dec. 8. John Ringling, circus magnate of New York and Sarasota, has purchased Sarasota's entire municipal bond issue of $75,000 for construction of a concrete pier at the front of main street into Sarasota Bay. - Dailey Independent, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Ed L. Brannan has contracted as general agent for the Great Patterson Circus the coming season.
Havre de Grace, Md., Dec. 8. Half the population of Havre de Grace was attracted to the winter quarters of the Walter L. Main Circus today shortly after eight athletic young men, barearmed, bareheaded and barelegged, raced down Bourbon street pursued by Lou and Babe, the two biggest elephants of the Downie herd. By the time the crowd had assembled Johnnie Hines, the star of the Torchy comedies, was making a race ahead of the bulls, while three camera men, perched on the roof of the ball park grand stand, snapped him as he won an exciting race and fell prostrate at the finish, letting the elephants run over him. The title of the comedy is supposed to be "Torchy's Finish," and the scenes are laid around a circus. The next day a jungle scene was staged in the rear of the quarters in which the elephants, camels and Helen, the most docile lion of the menagerie, figured. Then they took a golf game, in which Johnnie Hines finds that the elephant has swallowed the ball. There was a realistic lion hunt in which Helen is allowed her freedom for a while and is supposed to be shot by Hines. This exciting scene was "shot" just off the Baltimore Pike, while hundreds looked on. Helen behaved very nicely and was recaptured without any difficutly. The moving picture bunch came to Havre de Grace Monday and was made up of Johnnie Hines, Charles Hines, Charlie Berner, Charles Gilson, chief camera man, and two assistants. . . .
The annual fire scare occurred a few days ago when the fire department was called out to extinguish a brush fire that swept down toward the quarters from across the railroad tracks. It took half an hour to extinguish the blaze. The elephants returned Sunday from New York and will leave in a few days for an engagement at Syracuse, N. Y. George W. Owens, now living at North East, Pa., was a recent caller at the quarters. He is engaged in the lumbering busines, but was with the Bostock Wild Animal Show for years as a trainer. Mr. and Mrs. Downie, with their niece, Florence Forrester, spent Thanksgiving at Newark, N. J. The Governor is away again on a business trip of a week's duration. [remainder of article unreadable]
Prince Elmer, after a tour of two weeks in the interest of the Tom Atkinson Dog, Pony and Monkey Show, returned to Los Angeles November 25. He brought back with him two novelty attractions for the side show. The show is playing the down-town lots of Los Angeles to nice business. At the present time Mr. Atkinson has fifteen head of stock, twelve dogs, six monkeys, a performing goat and other animals. Trainers are busy breaking in new acts. Mr. Atkinson placed an order for an elephant and some monkeys, which are expected to arrive in Los Angeles by the first of March. All of which is according to Elmer.
St. Louis, Dec. 7. Walter Morrison, billposter, who recently closed with the advance of the Christy Bros. Circus in Texas, arrived here a few days ago. He was suddenly taken ill and is now confined to the City Hospital. A letter from Harry J. Mansfield states that he is now located in San Francisco with the Outdoor Advertising Company. He was on the Al G. Barnes advance this season.
Lowery Bros. Show, in winter quarters at Shenandoah, Pa., did not take the road this year on account of the coal strike. However, preparations are now being made to tour again next season, moving by motor trucks, and going over one of the old routes. The season will open early in May. Manager G. B. Lowery has purchased five trained ponies, a troupe of dogs and four trained monkeys. The animal acts will be worked by Bowman Hart, an oldtimer of the Adam Forepaugh Show. Ernest Damson will have charge of all privileges and will use his own trucks to move his paraphernalis. Mame Loftus will be back at her old post and handle the cookhouse, which she has managed for nine years. Manager Lowery states that the show will be without graft. Recent callers at the quarters were John L. Tempest and wife and Dr. Pat Scanlan.
[Advertisement] Bantly Bros. Nickel Plate Circus. Centralizing in One Big Show the Best of the Outdoor Show World. Wanted: circus and animal acts of all kinds. Performers and workmen in all branches of the circus business. Herman Bantly, owner and director. Winter quarters, Reynoldsville, Pa. Office: 4th floor Arrott Power Bldg., Pittsburgh, Pa. Harry Dunkel, manager.
[Advertisement] The Greater Norris and Rowe Circus and Wild Animal Show is going out on wagons season 1923. Wanted. Circus people in all branches. 2, 4, and 6 horse drivers. Performers doing two or more acts. Family acts carrying their own stock. It's a long season, with the best of accommodations and cookhouse. Want: animal acts, domestic and wild; novelties for side show, musicians for big show band, colored band for side show. Good agent that knows the Pacific Coast, to do contracting and local press. Also good billposters. Would like to hear from reliable showmen who have a circus, either complete or in part, that can be turned into an up-to-date wagon circus. Harry C. Payne, Spreckels Theatre, San Diego, Calif.
It is said that the Gentry Bros. Shows will go out, but that Neumann will not be with them.
All of the indoor circuses are reported flourishing. This next week, however, is a trying one.
"Juggy" Rogers, with the Sparks Circus this season, has returned to Cincinnati and is at the Bristol Hotel for the winter.
Having closed the season with the Sparks Circus, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Cline will spend a few days at their home in Champaign, Ill., and then go to Chicago for the remainder of the winter.
M. B. Black, campfire man on the Howe Show, is at present in his home town, Coweta, Ok. Shorty after the first of the year he will go to the Howe winter quarters at Ft. Dodge, Ia.
Jake Friedman, side show manager of the Christy Bros. Circus, arrived in Chicago December 1 to spend the holidays, after which he will return to Beaumont, Tex., to prepare for the coming season. Friedman says he has booked ten of the best side-show and pit show attractions in the business.
The Martins (Jerry D. and Josephine), aerialists and contortionists, will be with the Christy Bros. Circus next season. They will be an added attraction with the Bob Morton Amusement Company at the Shrine Circus, Ft. Worth, Tex., December 16-23. The Beckman-Todd act and Minnie Fisher are with the Morton Amusement Company.
M. E. Golden, of the Howe show, which is wintering at Ft. Dodge, Ia., will make a flying trip to his ranch in Southern California some time this month. Mr. Adams and Tom Ryan, of the same show, will spend a few weeks in Chicago. All will be back on the job by January 15, when activities for the spring opening will begin in earnest.
T. Martin, old-time driver with the John Robinson Great World Exposition and Ten Big Shows, season of 1878, is now an inmate of the Seminole County Home, Sanford, Fla., suffering from rheumatism. He writes that he was well taken care of when the Sparks Circus showed at Sanford November 28.
G. W. Christy, of the Christy Bros. Circus, started out in 1910 with a picture show, having no one else with him but his wife. In 1916 he had the Christy Hippodrome Show (two cars) with four performers, Charles Nelson, Doc Hastings, Bob Zenero and Jerry D. Martin; four goats and nine ponies. In 1922 he had a 10 car show and next year he is planning on having fifteen cars.
Albert Sigsbee will be back on the Lindeman Bros. Motor Circus (his second season) as general agent next year, and Mrs. Sigsbee will be press agent ahead. Sigsbee recently called on the boys in winter quarters at Sheboygan, Wis., and found everyone busy overhauling, painting and getting ready for the 1923 season. He states that his is one of the cleanest shows on the road.
Arthur Burson, still with Pullen's Comedians doing his wire and trapeze acts, states that the company is made up of real dramatic and vaudeville people and is doing good business. Burson does a high tight wire act on Saturdays before the matinees and never fails to draw a regular circus crowd to the tent. Thirty-five people, including a ten piece jazz band under the direction of Prof. Masten, are with the Pullen company.
James W. Beattie, side show manager, after visiting his daughter in New York City for several weeks, has returned to Syracuse, N. Y., where he entered the Good Shepherd Hospital December 4 to undergo an operation for rupture. Mr. Beattie was with the Gollmar Bros. Circus as side show manager early in the season, but had to leave the show on account of his condition.
Lon B. Williams, veteran circus agent, for many years with Gentry Bros. Shows, and later general agent for Hugo Bros. Circus and Col. Seaver's Wild West Show, who has been living at the Windsor-Clifton Hotel in Chicago for the past several years, is preparing to leave shortly for Bedford, Va., where the Elks' National Home is located. Lon and "Punch" Wheeler should be able to tell the veteran "Bills" all about it.
Two members of the Sparks Circus, following the close of the season at Hawkinsville, Ga., December 2, were Billboard visitors (Cincinnati) last Wednesday. They were "Kid" Hamilton (who was with Tommy Mullen, the boxer and wrestler), on his way to Detroit to work with Mullen at his gymnasium in that city, and Orrin Hollis, who handled reserved seat tickets, on his way to Toledo, O., for a while and then on to Omaha, Neb., where he will spend the winter. They reported a fine season and remarked that they will again be with the Sparks Show next season.
Everybody in the circus world knows that fishing is Fred Bradna's hobby. Recently when Mlle. Bradna's Circus Beautiful act played at Poli's Palace Theater at Springfield, Mass., the Bradnas were guests at the home of manager Gordon Wrighter and Mrs. Wrighter. Mr. Wrighter took Mr. Bradna on an auto trip to Lake Congomund for a fishing trip.
Cheerful Gardner reports that he and C. H. Bandendistel (High Pockets) have severed connections with the Al G. Barnes Circus, and that both will be with one of the leading circuses the coming season. They will leave Dallas, Tex., for Miami, Fla., to spend a few weeks and then go to New York, from where they will sail for South Africa to bring back 27 African baby elephants for one of the leading animal dealers in this country. Gardner says that Mr. Barnes has wonderful quarters at Dallas, Tex. The buildings have cement floors and are 70 by 100 feet. Paved streets lead to all buildings.
Captain Hook Rope, of the Sparks Circus, sends the following data as to some of the members of the show: Dick Sloan is in winter quarters at Macon, Ga.; Pratt is in Americus, Ga.; Roy Ralph will make a tour to California; Captain Scott went to Hot Springs, Ark.; Weaver Gray to Tampa, Fla.; Eddie Jackson, press agent, is at ease in Macon; Captain Hook Rope left for Montclair, N. J. for the winter; Curly Barr went to his home in Philadelphia; Paul Mathson went to Boston; Jim Irving is still in Macon; Prince Mungo went to Chicago; Al Powell, Aerial Earls, the Larkins and Bee Jung went to the Shriners' Circus at Charlotte, N. C.; Aerial Yorks to York, Pa.; Jack Phillips is now resting at his home in Columbus, O.
[Advertisement] Schulz's Motorized Circus. Notice! Open for indoor circus. Furnish seven feature acts or entire show. Want! To buy wild or domestic animals, trained or not trained. Can use animal trainer, calliope player, expert mechanic on trucks. Useful people write me, that can drive truck perferred. Wm. Schulz, winter quarters, 92-E Myrtle St., Youngstown, O.
Call - Burlingame Bros. Circus. Wanted to hear from aerial and ground acts. Performers doing two or more acts given preference. Wagon show people preferred. Burlingame Bros. Circus, 211 North and Clark St., New Martinsville, W. Va.
Havana, Cuba, Dec. 4. Contrary to predictions, the Pubillones Circus has been playing to good business in Havana ever since opening at the National Theater here on November 24. Sir Fiedl Estrada told The Billboard correspondent some of their troubles while in Mexico. They lost in the failure of the Banco Espanol, of Havana, some $30,000, and on top of this while they were playing in Mexico they heard of the reported failure of the Upmann Bank, in which Mrs. Pubillones had another $30,000. While they were looking after their money in Cuba many of the acts deserted and signed with a local Mexican circus, called Beas' Circus. Some of the American acts were getting big money with them, notably the Waltons with $350 a week and Belleclair [Beileclair?] Brothers with $500 a week.
Some of the acts there now that are pleasing the public are: the Ringlings, aerial act; Mlle. Vortez, in a loop-the-loop act, hanging by her teeth; Chi Li Pu, Chinese equilibrists and tumblers; Happy and his educated mule; the jugglers, Sugranes and Francioli; DePhil, Houghton and DePhil, and the Burtinos, slack wire performers. A sensational act is promised for next week, to be performed by Fillippo Fratello Sorella, who will cross from one end of the theater to the other on a bicycle, suspended high up in the air among the flies, to the top gallery and back. Not nets used. After the circus closes in Havana and departs for the country, which it does annually, this theater will be occupied by a German comic opera company. - L. Maclean Beers
Sioux City, Ia., Dec. 8. Atterbury's Overland Shows will add two new trucks for the coming season. Manager R. L. Atterbury haging purchased them just before leaving for the South on business and pleasure trip. The writer is in charge of winter quarters here, where the show is being overhauled for the thirteenth annual tour of the Northwest. Many people visit the animal quarters every day to have a look at the big elephant. The show will take to the road the latter part of April. - Ben Reed
[Advertisement] Wanted. The Great Western Dog & Pony Show. Producing clown, family band (Bowen family, write), side show manager, single performers doing two or more acts. Those with 2-car show experience preferred. Best accommodations. The Great Western Dog & Pony Show, Billboard, San Francisco, Cal.
Billboard, December 23, 1922, pp. 11, 50, 72, 73, 74, 75, 106. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Chicago, Dec. 16. Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Lindeman, better known as Pete and Louise Nelson, have sold their interest in the Lindeman Bros. Show, according to an announcement this week to The Billboard. Gust Lindeman states that he will have one of the best equipped motorized shows on the road the coming season. The outfit will be carried on eight one-ton trucks. The big top will be 50 feet, with a thirty-foot middle piece. The white top will be trimmed with red. The trucks are painted white, blue chassis and red trimmings. Men in winter quarters are busy building seats and painting trucks. Mr. Lindeman expects to open about May 5.
May Wirth, and that includes Phil and the family, will be with the Walter L. Main Shows next season. Australia has made two very great artistic contributions to the world. One is Melba. The other May Wirth. There have been other great divas - many of them. There have been few supremely great equestriennes.
J. B. Austin, the receiver for Gentry Bros. Famous Shows, announces that under an order of the court the show will be sold on or before January 10, 1923. The show will be sold as a whole or going concern and no part of it will be disposed of separately. The outfit consists of fifteen cars, all property belonging to the show and the title and good will. Mr. Austin is now at the winter quarters of the show at Houston, Tex., and will remain there until after the sale. Mr. Austin further states that neither he nor J. D. Newmann will buy the show.
Bridgeport, Conn., Dec. 15. A stampede of the big elephant herd was prevented by the keepers at the Ringling-Barnum Circus winter quarters early Tuesday when fire broke out in the cookhouse close to the elephant barn. One elephant after another in the barn began to set up a clamor as soon as they smelled the smoke. Their trumpeting acted as an impromptu fire alarm. Keepers called out to the beasts by name and as soon as the animals heard them their fears appeared to be allayed and the danger of a serious stampede quickly passed. The fire was soon extinguished.
Eddie Jackson, press agent of the Sparks Circus, after a visit of four days to his home at Akron, O., has returned to the winter quarters of the show at Central City Park, Macon, Ga.
[Advertisement] To the public or who it may concern. The M. L. Clark & Sons' Show of Alexandria, are not owned or controlled by any one except M. L. Clark & Sons. King Bros. had a lease for season 1922, expiring November 23. I will run my own show this winter, also season of 1923. M. L. Clark & Sons.
Canton, O., Dec. 14. Fred Ledgett, for several years equestrian director of the John Robinson Circus, will next season act in this capacity on the Sells-Floto Circus, as told to a representative of The Billboard on his visit here this week. Ledgett is one of the best showmen in the business and in his title of equestrian director has made many warm admirers in recent years. He will assume his new duties at the opening of the 1923 season. He is spending the winter months at his home in Peru, Ind., where he is assisting in work about winter quarters.
After a season of forty-two weeks the Montana Belle Show closed December 7. Business was fair. Montana Belle will go to Hot Springs, Ark., for a month's rest. Rube Wadley joined the show the latter part of the season, after leaving the Lucky Bill Show, where he was general agent. Wadley secured winter quarters for the Montana Belle Show at Malvern, Ark., where everything is stored away. Most of the show people left for their winter homes until the spring opening, which will be approximately March 1. The show will be enlarged and seven cages of wild animals added to the side show. Work on the cages and wagons has already started. Big Ben, boss hostler, and his assistants are looking after the stock. Harry Damoth, boss canvasman, has new canvas from front to back. Mrs. Cuttler and family are at the quarters preparing new wardrobe. Wadley and wife are also at the quarters, likewise Jimmy Smith.
Martha Florine, who formerly worked the big lion act and appeared in "Alice in Jungleland" with the Barnes Circus, was perhaps fatally injured recently while appearing in a Jackie Coogan picture at the United Studios at Hollywood, Calif. She was riding in parade when the horse belonging to Curly Eagles, which was not used to music, reared upon his hind legs and fell over Miss Florine. She was taken to the Hollywood Hospital suffering from two broken shoulders, broken collar bone and internal injuries. Little hope, it is said, is held out for her recovery.
New Orleans, Dec. 15. Cole Bros. Circus will winter in this city, headquarters having been obtained at the plant of the Foundation Plant in the lower part of the city. This is an ideal location and one which can be easily reached from the business part of the city. The performers will remain in this city and play vaudeville dates at the various suburban theaters.
Havre de Grace, Md., Dec. 15. The planned extensive improvements in the winter quarters of the Walter L. Main Circus, which were delayed owing to the rush of work, will be carrried on starting next week while most of the bosses and heads of departments are taking a Christmas vacation. An addition to the woodworking and blacksmith shop will be built, running the building back to the former entrance to the elephant barn and connecting it with the paint shop, making it possible to move the wagons as fast as rebuilt directly from one building to the other. There will also be a twenty foot addition to the room used as a kitchen and dining room to be used as an office and wardrobe room. This addition will face Bourbon street. The big steel arena will be set up next week and the animals will be put through new stunts daily. William Emery, who has had charge of the elephants, closed with the circus last week and has returned to his home at Camden, N. J. The elephants will be sent to Syracuse, N. Y., after Christmas, in charge of Sam Logan, to appear at an Indoor Circus.
Don Darraugh has recovered from his recent accident and it didn't take him long to be out and around, as lively as usual after the arrival of his wife, who has been appearing with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Indoor Circus. Don and wife will spend the holidays in New York and also make a flying trip to Denver. Jimmie Logan, who was assistant to Claude Orton last season, has arrived at quarters from Toledo and Chicago and is now filling the position of assistant chef. "Blackie" Collins, who was working on bulls, has left and Harry Jones succeeds him, while "Sailor" Wilson has arrived and is looking after the stock at the quarters. Jimmie Andrews returned last week with the animals from Baltimore, roaring lions proving too much for the nerves of the Christmas shoppers at the big department store. Mrs. Andrew Downie had as her guests at tea on the recent visit here of the Guy Bros. Minstrels, Mrs. George Guy and daughter. "Governor" Downie is away on another of his flying trips, this time the objective points being Philadelphia and New York. Charles "Pop" Sweeny is now domiciled in the old office adjoining the paint shop and is busy on the wardrobe. "Old 92," that has done service as the No. 1 band wagon for many years, is being torn apart and heading the parade this season will be a mammoth new band chariot with plenty of room for Bill Fowler's musicians. To put an end to rumors that have been coming in to quarters from as far west as Chicago, the writer will not be with any other circus this coming season, but will try and grab as much space as possible for the "Governor" and the Main Circus. - Fletcher Smith (press agent)
Macon, Ga., Dec. 16. Charles Sparks left here early this week for Cincinnati and Chicago in the interest of the Sparks Circus, to which he will add many notable features for season 1923.
Alesandro Lowande called at the New York offices of The Billboard December 9.
Charles and Clifton Sparks are going to their homes in East Brady, Pa., for the holidays.
Gil Everett will be back in clown alley with one of the big shows the coming season.
May Wirth (with Phil and the family) has signed with Andrew Downie for a season with the Main Shows.
Mona Lisa, the chimp, is a big favorite with the boys around the winter quarters of the Sparks Circus in Macon, Ga.
The husband of Maggie DeVere, of the famous DeVere Family, died last August on the island of Trinidad, British West Indies.
George H. Fowler is in the hospital at Hammond, Ind. Will be with the Ringling-Barnum Circus next season.
John Ringling has promised Nellie Revell that just as soon as she gets well enough he is going to give her a party in Madison Square Garden.
Ray Glaum, after a season with the Christy Bros. Circus, is resting at Beaumont, Tex. He will do his iron jaw and teeth slide acts with indoor circuses after the holidays.
Shipp & Feltus Circus lost a valuable menage horse, long a feature act as ridden by Miss Virginia Shipp, at Barbados, B. W. I. It was strangled in being put ashore from the steamer.
H. Keith Buckingham has a flattering offer from one of the big shows and if things don't come the way he expects he will be back under the white tops in 1923 after an absence of six years.
Orville Speer, who has been with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Circus for the past two seasons, has opened a grocery store with his brother at Indianapolis, Ind.
Prof. Candler and his London Punch and Judy Show recently entertained a big crowd of school kiddies at Milton School near Chesterfield, Mich.
W. S. Filley, advance man for the LaMont Bros. Show, recently paid a visit to the winter quarters of Col. Uden's show at Flanagan, Ill. Filley will again be with the LaMont show next season.
Harold G. Heyn, one of the youngest advance agents in the business, was the "Main Street" lithographer with the Sells-Floto Circus last season. He is now doing theater work in Chicago.
Col. Uden and Capt. Will Newl will put out a wild west and trained animal show, consisting of ten wagons and thirty head of stock. The colonel has the animal show and Capt. Newl is a great horseman.
A. J. Anderson, who closed the season with the Cole Bros. Shows in Mississippi, passed through Cincinnati December 11 on his way home to Jamestown, N. Y., for the winter. Said the show had a successful season.
A correspondent writes us from Hattiesburg, Miss., that Rice Brothers two-car circus played in that territory for three or four weeks and, although it did not make Hattiesburg, it passed through there twice. Said correspondent further says: "Many reports reach here that they had grift aplenty and a real cooch dance. Three-card monte seemed to be the main grift, so the sheriff from Perry County told me."
Word from the Hospital of the Good Shepherd, Syracuse, N. Y., is to the effect that James W. Beattie, side show manager, successfully under went a double operation, and that his physical condition will be greatly improved thereby.
After a successful season with the Cole Bros. Shows as press agent and clown, Fred Leslie went to Neosho, Mo., to spend the holidays with his mother and sisters. His brother-in-law, H. H. Knotts, was recently elected mayor of Neosho.
Leahy Bros., well-known circus folks who have trouped with Gollmar Bros., Walter L. Main, W. P. Hall and Cook Bros. circuses, will open on the United Time at the Harris Theater, Pittsburg, week of December 25, featuring the famous Buck Leahy trick.
Tom Atkinson's Dog, Pony and Monkey Circus was contracted as an attraction to open a new salesroom for Paul G. Hoffman & Company at Hollywood, Calif. Participating in the performance were Mrs. Ethel Atkinson with her high-school horse, Dixie Dan; Mrs. Mike Brahm (late of the Howe show) and her performing horse, King; Prince Elmer, thirty-two inches of comedy and his January act; Curly Phillips, producing clown with five assistants; Mike Brahm and his posing and performing mule; Mrs. Atkinson's four military ponies; riding dog and riding monkey act handled by George King; Gunpowder, the bucking mule, worked by Walter Terrel; Atkinson's big dog and monkey act (twelve dogs and six Rhesus monkeys); Prof. Gordon's roping act, and others.
Harry Trimble, 38 years old, who traveled with the Barnum & Bailey and Robinson circuses for twelve years, is confined to the University Hospital, Columbus, O., having been bedfast with rheumatism for two years. . . . November 4 surgeons amputated both of his legs four inches below the hips.
Jasper Fulton, late treasurer of Cole Bros. Shows, and who now has charge of a commissary on the Wabash R. R., kicks in with the following: "I began my circus career in 1882 and have been in the show business ever since, either circus or theatrical. But I can go further back than '82. I can remember making one-nighters with my father with his medicine show when I was 9 years old. I saw my first circus (one-ring) in Nova Scotia in 1876, and heard the clown sing the old song, 'Down in the Coal Mine,' on a real dirt ring. There was 'pad' riding in those days, and plenty of wood shavings all over the ring to brighten thing up. Town was Londonderry Iron Mines, Nova Scotia, and father detoured the day previous in order to make his pitch and give the performers a holiday, which he did. I will never forget the first side show I ever saw. Father bought the tickets, as he was well acquainted with the 'main guys,' Stone and Murray. As we entered the 'kid top' I was just in time to see the sword swallower doing his act, and it gave me the thrill of my life. Then, in turn, came the tattooed man (a curiosity in those days), the glass blower, snake charmer, and as I recall, there was a game or two. That night, after the show, there came the inevitable fight. One miner was killed."
When Bell and Eva played at the Empress Theater, Grand Rapids, Mich., recently, a Grand Rapids daily made mention of them as follows: "You might not recognize the name of Bell and Eva on the Empress program, but 'Bell' is Peter Bell, who not many years ago was the greatest leaper of them all. He and Chad Wurs held the belt between them. Peter could make that beautiful head-first dive through the air that made you think he would butt his brains out; and then, after speeding like an arrow and as straight for a couple of hundred feet, make a quick twist turn, just in time and take the fall on his feet or on the muscles of his shoulders, just as he wished. And triples! Oh, boy! It was a sight to see him make them. Peter is now doing a 'trampoline' act in vaudeville with 'Eva,' who is Mrs. Peter, and one of the best women tumblers the sawdust ring has turned out. And Peter Bell's presence also brings to memory the circus fame of Michigan. Peter was born in Saginaw, and Saginaw is still his home. Saginaw and Grand Rapids at one time turned out more circus performers than any pair of cities in the country. Saginaw is still the home of many former (and a few of the present) performers, who have bought property in the home town. Among those who rose through the circus is Harry Watson Sr., who still lives in Saginaw, as does his son, the famous Harry Watson Jr., and also his former partners, Bickle and Jenks. Grand Rapids is still the home of Fred Darling, and formerly was and may be again, of 'Doc" Ellet and Menken, the frogman, not to forget Bee Ho Gray."
New York, Dec. 14. Walter Beckwith's five famous lions have been engaged by Charles Sparks for next season. The animals are notable in pictures and vaudeville and will be routed via the latter field to reach the winter quarters of the Sparks Circus at Macon, Ga., on or about March 1, according to contract.
Mike Connors, the former Sun Bros.' agent, is still in the game but is now making money for Wolcott's "Rabbit Foot" Minstrels in the South. Oscar Rogers, who had out the "Florida Blossoms" Show for several seasons after the close of the Sun Bros. Show, has retired from the business and is in the mercantile business at his wife's home in Michigan, where he has settled down and has started raising a family.
Charlie Nolan, of the Main Circus last season, is making his annual trans-continental trip this winter and is now on his way to Tijuana, where he will remain till spring, returning to the show, as usual.
William J. Frawley, who had the paper on the Main Circus advance car the past season, is again back at his old job of stage carpentering this winter with "The Bat" Company, playing at present through Canada. He closed with the Main Circus at Crisfield, Md., and opened with "The Bat" Company the next day.
George E. Caron, who had the car with the Main Circus a part of last season, with his assistant, Louis Faber, of the Sparks show, are in charge of the stage with Augustus Piton's Elsie Ryan Company.
Johnnie Davis and wife, wild west people with the Main Circus, are putting in the winter at Milwaukee and write that the kid is going to be just as good a wild west performer as his parents. Johnnie has just closed the season with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows.
William Tumber, who managed the side show with the Main Circus the past season, is putting in the winter at Kansas City and is already making plans for a bigger and better side show for next season.
John H. Andrews, the ex-circus treasurer, and his wife, Dallie Julian that used to be, with the kiddies, are still just across the river from Niagara Falls, over in Ontario, where John is the Canadian representative of a famous Monticello medicine concern. Although both yearn for more seasons under the white tops, they will, on account of the kiddies, remain in their present hom.
Tom Hewers, assistant manager of privileges with the Main Circus, is spending the winter at Toronto, Can., where he is engaged in a mercantile business.
Gilbert Everett, of the Main clown alley, who was forced to leave the show owing to illness, is now fully recovered and with his brother, George, is planning new walkarounds for the show next spring.
Jimmy Heron is making a big success of the Columbia Theater at Far Rockaway, N. Y., since he assumed the management. The first thing he did was to secure Joe Coffey, who was manager of the wrestlers with the Main Circus, as doorkeeper and a handy man in case of trouble. Joe is an ex-champion in the ring.
Ed Holland, the Main twenty-four-hour man, since the show closed, has been living quietly at his home at Haworth, N. J.
Bobby Gossans, of Lasses White fame, and also a valued member of clown alley with the Robinson show the past season, is playing vaudeville with his wife out of Columbus, and also has a couple of indoor circuses booked. After the first of the year they will join a tab show for the winter, returning to the Robinson show in the spring.
Horace Laird and Roy Barrett, two well-known producing clowns who were together years ago with the Sun Bros. Circus, spent several days together recently on Broadway. Horace says he has secured from New York several new walkarounds which will be seen with the Main Circus in the spring. Roy is enjoying life after a long season with the Ringling show.
T. S. Plank writes from Venice, Calif.: "Dusty Rhodes, contracting agent of the Howe show, is now with the Goldwyn Studio, lining up a big circus picture, which is to start soon. The book calls for a big fire and the burning of the big top. Johnnie Moore, former clown with the Barnes Circus, left recently for San Francisco, where his wife is to undergo an operation. Babe Collins, who was in charge of the candy stands on the Howe show, has installed a soda fountain at Hollywood. Jack Lancaster, Curly Phillips and Thos. Plank are putting over some big clown numbers at the United Studios for the Jackie Coogan circus picture, 'Toby Tyler.' Mike and Alice Brahm, Jack Lyndell, Gordon Jones, Hank Potts and Gypsy Price are working the menage acts, Brahm having twelve head of spotted menage horses on the scene."
Edward Baldwin, 80, died at the Home for the Aged, Little Blue, Mo., at 1 o'clock Saturday morning, December 16. Mr. Baldwin was an old-time acrobat, tumbler and all-round athlete, and traveled with the leading circuses of this country for many years. It is not known whether the deceased has any survivors.
R. A. Coleson, husband of Maggie DeVere, of the famous DeVere Family, died in Trinidad, British West Indies, last August.
Jack Grizzle, known in circus and carnival circles, died in Dayton, O., December 14 of heart disease. Aside from his career in the outdoor amusement world, Mr. Grizzle had spent a short time in vaudeville. His widow and sister, of New York City, and mother, of Knoxville, Tenn., survive. Interment was in Green Castle Cemetery, Dayton.
J. B. Odus, known in private life as J. B. Githens, who had spent twenty-five years with various circuses and carnivals, died at a hospital in Denver, Col., December 11, of heart disease and dropsy. His wife, who died in Denver last August, was a palmist, known as Madame Odus. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. W. H. Dearmin, known in the profession; two brothers and a sister. Burial was in Crown Hill Cemetery, Denver.
Rosina Short, 91, circus artiste for over seventy years, died recently at Blackpool, England. She was the wife of Saroni, the musical clown.
James Tighe, known as "Shorty," who was a porter with the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Shows last season, died in New York December 7. The Moose took charge of the funeral.
Manuel Carlburg, known professionally as Long John, formerly with the Ringling Brothers and Sells-Floto circuses and with the Cottrell-Powell troupe of acrobats, and Meta Bennett, of Grand Rapids, Mich., were married in that city October 19.
Billboard, December 30, 1922, pp. 80, 81, 82, 108. Note: Billboard has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Mrs. Emma Coleman. It will interest readers of The Billboard and oldtimers in the circus world of 50 years ago and over to know that Mrs. Emma Coleman (originally one of the Fredericks Family) lives at the Bertha Apartments, 42d street, New York City. She is the mother of fourteen childred and all of them are still in the show business all over the world. Mrs. Coleman's father was the owner of a circus in England and built several theaters. Mrs. Coleman, in her early days, was a circus rider. Her father was the inventor of the riding apparatus as used in Bostock's Riding School. By the way, a member in that act is one of the family of Fredericks. The fourteen children, thirteen girls and a boy, were in the early days known as the Fredericks Acrobats and traveled all over the world. Mrs. Coleman's husband later became an elephant trainer and went to Australia where he later died and was buried in Perth, Western Australia.
P. A. Bacon, former advertising man for Ringling Bros., has established an outdoor advertising business in Dallas, Tex., catering to theaters and other amusements.
Circus Pickups by Fletcher Smith
Bill Fowler, bandmaster of the Main Circus, had his troubles in putting out a show this fall and is at his home in Toledo. Bill says that he used the title, Redpath's Vaudeville Players, and was served with an injunction right off the bat restraining him from further use of the name. So Bill closed up and went back home.
Bob Thatcher, manager of privileges with the Main Circus, has returned from a ten days' trip to Mt. Clemens, Mich., and his old home in Canada, and is located for the winter at Youngtown, O., where he will tell the folks about the coming of the one-nighters this winter with his hod of paper and circus brush.
Arthur Wright, who had the side show band with the Barnes Circus the past season and who is one of the best colored cornet soloists in the business, is wintering in Dallas, Tex., and organizing several bands and minstrel shows for various circuses next spring. Arthur will be with the Barnes show again next season.
Jack Fenton, last summer bannerman with the Main Circus, has returned from his trip to Montreal and had a fine lineup of advertising banners at the Jr. O. U. A. M. Indoor Circus at Newark, N. J. Jack will be with the Main Circus again in the spring.
My old friend, Elmer Meyers, who had a pit show with the Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Show the past season, is now located at Ashland, Ky., where he is having a big sale for his wild honey.
The Petersons, who were with the Main show a year ago and last season with the Robinson Circus, are wintering in Pittsburg. They have added their daughter to their act and will play vaudeville around Pittsburg till spring. Mrs. Peterson is still featuring her sensational slide for life.
"Doc" Williams, formerly master mechanic of the Main Circus, is now in charge of the repair work with the Barnes Circus at Dallas, Tex.
The Main Circus, the coming season, will use of the first time a new canvas that has been treated with a new system of keeping it waterproof. The preparation, which is patented, is driven into the microscopic pores of the fibre by means of electricity and renders the canvas water and mildew proof. The work is being done at the works of the new company at Cranston, R. I. The new process is known as Tatelec.
Ed Brown, who will put a wagon show out from Bath, Me., in the spring, had his last trouping experience with the Robinson show before starting in the game for himself. Ed was in the old days a great ballplayer as well as an acrobat. In 1880 he pitched a game for Thomaston, Me., against Warren and struck out twenty-one men, Thomaston winning 20 to 1. In a game for Bath, Me., against Bowdoinham, he had nineteen strikeouts and he pitched a hitless game for Bath against the Bowden College team. Then he astonished the natives with his skill as a club juggler and trapeze performer. He had in the act his little son, Master Walter, now a man grown and in the automobile business in Boston.
Dewey Lukens, of the privilege department of the Main Circus, since the circus closed has been enjoying the hunting season in Maryland and is now at home in Baltimore. Dewey entertained recently over Sunday Ralph Somerville of the Main Circus.
Joe Gilligan, of the Walter L. Main Circus, was down to Havre de Grace for Thanksgiving, the guest of Java Koen and wife. Joe has resigned his job as substitute driver of the Camden Fire Department and is now driving a truck for Gimble Bros., of Philadelphia.
Frank Sullivan, of the Walter L. Main Circus, has arrived in New York, after trouping with the Barnes show as far as Texas and then coming back East with the Ringling show. He is this winter to be found with my old side partner, Burns O'Sullivan, at the Jefferson Theater, New York. James Kelly, of the Main show, is also one of Burns' students.
I have it on good authority that about all the opposition the Ringlings will get the coming season is from a 65-car show which is now being framed up and will take the road early in the spring. I understand it is a combination of the Sells-Floto and another show. The above-mentioned new show will play one day in Philadelphia, ahead of the Ringling show, and will also play one day at Atlantic City. It is claimed that the show was unable to get a week stand in Philadelphia. Baltimore, always a frost for any show but the Ringlings, will also see the new show for one day, and it will be in Pittsburg district ahead of all the others. It looks aas tho the combine was to make one last battle, combining all its forces for the attack, win or lose.
George Barton is still buying horses up at Coatesville, Pa., and getting ready for the coming season.
Under the Marquee, by Circus Solly
Breaking of acts will soon start at the quarters of R. F. Myers Bros. Circus, Zeigler, Ill.
Eddie Orth, the past season on the Ringling-Barnum advertising car No. 1, was married in Chicago, December 15.
Margie McDonald, who had been confined to the hospital, Chicago, with malaria fever for two weeks, is now at the St. Regis Hotel in that city.
John Keenan, while in Atlantic City, N. J., called on his old-time friend, Frank B. Hubin. Keenan will leave at an early date to join the M. L. Clark Show in Louisiana.
Peter and Florence Marinetette Mardo, with the Sparks Circus the past season, visited Warren Lewis, auctioneer of Ypsilanti, Mich., before returning to their home in Cleveland, O.
Dan France, late agent of the Rhoda Royal Circus, who had to give up the show business early in the season on account of his health, writes that he is again in good shape and will hit the road next season.
James A. Shropshire, who had the side show on the Clark Show this season, has returned to Cincinnati, O., where he will speng the winter and undergo treatment for his eyes.
Charles Dryden, foot and hand juggler; Lee Smith, clown cop, and Ray Wood, producing clown, who recently closed a successful season of thirty-seven weeks with the Christy Bros. Shows, are now with the M. L. Clark Overland Show in Louisiana.
Joe A. Dobeck, juggler, for the past three seasons with the Christy Bros. Circus, closed a successful season at Eunice, La., and from there went to New Orleans, where he is playing vaudeville dates.
Roy Barrett, clown, will remain in Philadelphia, Pa., for the winter. He goes back to the Ringling-Barnum Circus, his sixth season with the Ringlings. Barrett used a big straw hat, one of the lat Captain George Auger's for comedy, and the bit got many laughs.
Ed Raymond, clown with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, has been laid up in Cleveland, O., with an injured eye since June. He expects to have fully recovered in a short time.
Walter Levina, magician and ventriloquist, who was with the Gollmar Bros. Circus part of the season and finished the fair season in the circus side show of the Con T. Kennedy (carnival) Shwos, is now playing for Berney Smuckler's Indoor Bazaars.
Chas. Fick, former trouper, is in the dairy and poultry business on a farm six miles from Topeka, Kan.
F. J. Frink and T. W. Ballenger were Billboard callers. Both were planning to go home for Christmas, Mr. Frink to Oxford, Pa., and Mr. Ballenger to London, O. Two real "fixtures" around the Walter L. Main and Sparks Circuses, respectively, are these general agents.
Emil Leandro Melville, retired circus dare-devil who is now sixty-two years old, has been advised by his physician that he must become active again if he wants to avoid fatty degeneration of the heart. An examination showed that the old gymnast had gained thirty pounds in a year.
Dave Jarrett, an old-time circus advance man of the W. E. Frankliln school, is treasurer and manager of the Rockford (Ill.) Poster Advertising Co. He is a past president of the Chamber of Commerce of Rockford, and still active as a director in that body. . . .
An item in the last issue stated that Walter Beckwith's five famous lions had been engaged by the Sparks Circus for next season. Fact of the matter is these lions were purchased by Charles Sparks. Mr. Sparks has also bought four animal acts that are coming from Germany. One groupe consists of four polar bears, two great Dane dogs and a pony; another, five male tigers; another, seven leopards, and last sixteen trained horses that will work in a placing-themselves-in-numerical-order number in addition to doing other stunts. German trainers will accompany the acts to this side and work them in this country.
From Jasper Fulton: "Remember the Stone & Murray Show in 1876; Old Dan Rice when he was in his glory; the Walter L. Main Show when Mrs. Main was there in person and who did everyting but drive an eight-horse team and was the first person on the lot in all kinds of weather; the Wyoming Historical Wild West in 1894 which started out of Frankford, Pa., Martin Downs, James Bayliss and John Cathers, equal owners with Buck Taylor, king of cowboys, Reckless Nell (Nellie Braddon), who rode wild steers, Tom Ford, fixer, Judge Crowley, Dan, the Dude, Johnnie Hare, Charlie Thompson, Tom Coleen Fitzsimmons in the annex (we got as far as Quebec, Can., and stopped short five months en route without the ghost walk); the Barnum & Bailey wreck in Jasper County, Georgia, 1890 (where we lost three days), and in which a carload of baggage stock and seven men were killed and Chas. Robbins' cookhous was put out of commisssion? I can see Matt Flinn and Zitella, his wife, pulling on the hook rope all day, and the Lorrella Family, afterwards burned to death in the Brooklyn Theater fire. Frank Hyatt was a busy man those three days. The road was owned by a Mrs. Gould and the cost of the wreck put her in liquidation. I was on the lot with the Forepaugh Shows in Allegheny in 1893, selling outside tickets with Jim Jordan, when news came to us of the Main wreck, in which our friend, Mr. Train, the treasurer with the show was killed."
From H. R. Brison: "I left Sam Dock's Keystone Shows at Tomahawk, N. C., December 11 and came home to Reading, Pa., to spend the winter. I opened with this show at Whaleyville, Va., April 22. In Reading I met Billy Faust, of the Aerial Fausts, who told me that he was to be married December 22 to Margaret Martin, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Most of the troupers are now home for the winter and can be found every Thursday night at the Luken Gym, Whitie Meinholds, manager, who is putting on shows with the talent from the club. The public is invited and the acts work gratis. The following acts appeared December 14: Four American Aces, casting act; Elizabeth Rooney, tight wire; Two Bobs, dancers; Brotherhood Quartet; Faust and Dehoman, revolving ladder; Ed Blandy, slack wire; Sherman and Sherman, double trapeze, and others. George Flatt furnished the music with a twelve piece band, all troupers. The shows are held to encourage people to join the gymnasium. I was at the winter quarters of the Clarence Barber Show, where the training of dogs and ponies is now going on. The show will open in April. Walt Dehoman and Harry Heilman will take out a Wild West and circus (ten wagons) next season, using a truck for the advance."
St. Louis, Dec. 21. William Collette, veteran agent and billposter, arrived here a few days ago. He was on the advance of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus this season. He is now working as a stage hand at the Orpheum Theater here. Walter Morrison, circus billposter, is still confined to the City Hospital. He is getting along nicely.
Mrs. Harry Janicke, veteran of various Wild West shows, including the Oklahoma Ranch, died at the Lord Lister Hospital, Omaha, Neb., December 19. Her death was the result of injuried suffered when she was run over by a taxi cab. Mrs. Janicke was professionally known a Prairie Nell, and is survived by her husband, Harry A. (Shorty) Janicke, who was also prominent in Wild West show circles. Besides her husband, she leaves two sons and three daughters.
Last modified March 2012