Circus Historical Society

Photos and Illustrations - Acts, Performers

An ongoing project . . .

Photographs and illustrations from early Bandwagon issues and other sources. An ongoing project . . .

Acts, Performers, One        Acts, Performers, Two        Acts, Performers, Three

Circuses      Miscellaneous

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Belva Schrader & Hazel Cotter

Belva was a high wire artist in the 1920s and early 30s for the Hagenbach Wallace Circus. She worked in a team called "Cotter and Schrader." According to Billboard December 12, 1960, p. 54, She was a director of the Chicago chapter of Showfolks of America. After the circus she worked as a Supervisor for the American Medical Association. Photographs, information courtesy of Gregg K. Schrader.





















Belva is second from the left in black tights.






Belva with closed lips directly behind white hat clown.






A Beavy of Beauties with the Hagenbeck.

Photograph, Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus magazine, Season of 1930. "The spectacular, romantic pageant, The Golden Orient, a colorful fantasy of the blossom-scented land of pagodas and temples. What magic the golden orient holds, weaving its lure of beauty and charm that never fades. Directed by Mr. Rex De Rosselli." )Appears to be Belva on far left.)






Belva was also a model in Chicago.

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    Chicago, Dec. 21. - A most successful Charity Circus was staged this week at Ashland Auditorium under the auspices of Greater Chicago Lodge No. 3, Loyal Order of Moose. The entire show, which was held from December 12 to 19, inclusive, was produced and presented by the Edw. A. Hock Amusement Company. . . . A splendid program of circus acts was presented and the show drew excellent crowds, the number visiting the auditorium on Sunday totaling nearly 9,000. . . . Acts in the show included Walter Powell, forward and back somersaults on the tight wire; Fred Rex, comedy circus; the Ben Thara Troupe of Arab acrobats; Floyd and Howard Merrill, perch act; Langdon's performing baby elephant; Merrill Brothers and Sister, equilibrists; Ling Tey Company, Chinese pastimes; Cotter and Schrader, double trapeze; Prince D'Hoshi, head slide; Hazel Cotter, single trapeze and web; August Jansley and his loop-the-loop; Joe Coyle and his Hotsy Totsy Clowns, and Lorraine Evon with her golden bird (Brunswick recording feature). Charlie Martin was the announcer and in good voice. Music was furnished by Herbert Whittier and his band, using many special arrangements by Whittier himself, who is an old circus bandmaster, having trouped with Forepaugh and other of the oldtimers. August Jansley handled the stage. In addition to the splendid program of acts there was a full line of concessions in charge of Al Hock. During the eight days of the show radios and three automobiles were given away. The money realized from the show will be used to furnish a joyous Christmas for several thousand needy families. Newspaper clipping, December 28, 1929.


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