Buckles Web Log

From Kari Johnson

2012-02-13T06:09:00.001-05:00

97ade0ff-1, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!

From Tim Tegge #1

2012-02-13T06:03:00.001-05:00

BOZO%20COOPER_%20JENDA%20SMAHA,%20and, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Hi Buckles and readers --

Our mild Baraboo winter continues, with temps in the low-to-mid 40's, which, for this p[art of the map, ain't half bad! Hope the trend continues right into spring.

I am forwarding a few images that hope will both interest your bloggers, and just maybe clear up a positive ID for my files. The mystery, if you will, involves that familiar photo of Jenda Smaha in clown make-up, posed with Edward "Bozo" Cooper and another clown. Does anyone have an idea as to who that "other clown" might be? This is one of three photographs I have in my files that originally belonged to my dad. Bozo Cooper and Patti Couls were on the old Hagen Bros. Circus, owned and operated by Howard Seusz throughout the 1950's. The three photos with Cooper (and two with Couls) make me want to believe that they were shot on the Hagen show, although one of the picture is marked (in ink, on the back) Adams Bros. Circus (Bill Griffin). Any help with an ID on the mystery clown is most appreciated. And, if you know who the other two "big top beauties" might be, do tell, please!

From Tim Tegge #2

2012-02-13T06:01:00.001-05:00

BOZO%20COOPER_%20PATTI%20COULS, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Tim Tegge #3

2012-02-13T06:00:00.002-05:00

BOZO%20COOPER_%20PATTI%20COULS,%20and, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

"The lady in front is Mary Carlton from the Skating Carltons whom I trouped with in 1952 on Kelly-Miller.
I seem to recall the lady at left as a "Burdette?"
Buckles

The Skating Carltons

2012-02-13T05:33:00.002-05:00

2334022707_02023e72b5, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

I don't know when or where this picture was taken but in '52 I always paused while selling my wares to see if that rug would make it throughout the final whirl. It always did.

1952 K-M Route Book

2012-02-13T05:28:00.002-05:00

02-12-2012 01;11;49PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

"More Men Of Iron"

From Tim Tegge #4

2012-02-13T05:23:00.001-05:00

RBBB%20BULLS%20@%20SOLDIERS%20FIELD-1944, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Just for pleasure-sake, I am also attaching a marvelous old news photo from a 1944 Chicago paper. It shows rehearsals of the elephant number at Chicago's Soldiers Field in preparation of the re-opening of the big one, following the Hartford fire. The news "slug" is also included. I'm pretty sure that the balding gent at about center of the photo, on the botom edge of the image, is circus fan (Dr.) H.H. Conley. Thought you folks would enjoy this one!

From Tim Tegge #5

2012-02-13T05:20:00.001-05:00

RBBB%20BULLS%20@%20SOLDIERS%20FIELD-1944%20b, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Jeff Darnell #1

2012-02-13T05:15:00.001-05:00

SerfandGunthersGroom, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

More Serf and Piccolo.

From Jeff Darnell #2

2012-02-13T05:14:00.001-05:00

SmilinSerfBW, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Wanda Moore

2012-02-12T15:26:00.001-05:00

02-12-2012 03;14;10PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

I went to see Circus Vargas, Friday, in Phoenix.
The show looked good on a cramped lot, the costumes were very good,and the music
was ok. There was a very good flying act, and good clowns...just too much time for them.

I was very disappointed to see an entire performance with out a single ANIMAL. is this the future???
Not even a dog act.....nothing. there was a lot of what I call filler acts...and overpriced at $40.00 a ticket.
How can you take a family and pay that???

The show has some improvement to be worth That ticket.

Just my opinion, Wanda Moore

"Banners" #1 (From Chris Berry)

2012-02-12T05:51:00.001-05:00

Ringling%20Barnum%20WALL%20BANNERS%20(1946)%20Braathan%20Collection, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Just a couple of more notes and a handful of photos related to the "tack spitters" and banner men who Ole Whitey and Harry Kingston wrote about earlier.

In the summer of 1946 the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey advance team rolled into Madison Wisconsin - ready to take on the smaller Cole Bros show which was scheduled to arrive 11 days prior to Ringling-Barnum. In a scene reminiscent of earlier billing wars, this spectacular stand was created by the billposters and saved IN COLOR for future generations through the photography of Sverre Braathen. This image is now one of the copyrighted photos that is part of the circus collection at Illinois State University's Milner Library. The muslin banners, tacked high on the side of the building, urges the public to WAIT until the arrival of The Greatest Show on Earth. Both circuses played the new Truax Field circus grounds - and both are reported to have done good business.

"Banners" #2

2012-02-12T05:49:00.001-05:00

Cole%20Bros%20BANNERS%20(1935)%20Chicago, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

This very nice stand from 1935 is for the first ever appearance of Adkins and Terrell's Cole Bros circus in Chicago. At the same time that Clyde Beatty was appearing at the Chicago Coliseum, Hagenbeck Wallace Forepaugh-Sells with Bert Nelson was providing opposition across town at the Chicago Stadium - and still using some of the Beatty paper from 1934! Perhaps Ole Whitey can corroborate, but a banner stand like this in front of a parking lot frequently caused problems for the "banner puller" who came around to take down the banners. Evidently the tacks that didn't go into the wall landed in the parking lot - and the tires of the 1930s were frequently punctured by those "dead soldiers" who missed their mark.

"Banners" #3

2012-02-12T05:47:00.001-05:00

Sells%20Floto%20BANNERS%20(1931)%20Chicago, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

This photo shows the Sells Floto bannermen at work in Chicago - billing the 1931 performances featuring Tom Mix at the Chicago Coliseum.

"Banners" #4

2012-02-12T05:44:00.001-05:00

Ringling%20Barnum%20BANNERS%20(1948)%20Kalamazoo, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

While this stand from 1948 is not as spectacular as some of those seen earlier, it still required a tremendous amount of effort to not only climb and hang the banners centered and square from the second story of the building. I suspect there are few business owners today who would accept a couple of tickets in exchange for having a cloth banner nailed into the side of their building for a couple of weeks.

From Dave Price

2012-02-12T05:37:00.001-05:00

BucklesMeCl, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

For Harry Kingston:

Here I am as a young collector in about 1955.

Clyde's picture is from 1944.

So on the average this is from 1949 and a half.

1944 Beatty-Russell Bros. #1 (From Buckles)

2012-02-12T05:24:00.001-05:00

01-13-2012 05;26;28PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

1944 Beatty-Russell Bros. #2

2012-02-12T05:23:00.001-05:00

01-13-2012 05;21;31PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

1944 Beatty-Russell Bros. #3

2012-02-12T05:22:00.001-05:00

01-13-2012 05;28;55PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

1944 Beatty-Russell Bros. #4

2012-02-12T05:20:00.001-05:00

01-13-2012 05;37;32PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

1944 Beatty-Russell Bros. #5

2012-02-12T05:19:00.001-05:00

01-13-2012 05;31;58PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

1944 Beatty-Russell Bros. #6

2012-02-12T05:17:00.001-05:00

01-13-2012 05;33;43PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

1944 Beatty-Russell Bros. #7

2012-02-12T05:15:00.001-05:00

01-13-2012 05;39;15PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

1944 Beatty-Russell Bros. #8

2012-02-12T05:13:00.001-05:00

01-13-2012 05;48;06PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

1944 Beatty-Russell Bros. #9

2012-02-12T05:10:00.001-05:00

01-13-2012 05;42;50PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

1944 Beatty-Russell Bros. #10

2012-02-12T05:09:00.002-05:00

01-13-2012 05;44;47PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Chic Silber #1

2012-02-11T05:42:00.001-05:00

1501BWAY, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Hi Buckles

Here is a more recent photo of the Paramount Building

It's commonly known in theatrical circles as just "1501"

which is the proper street address on Broadway

Also an early postcard version & a sloppy arrowed

view of the front (not very accomplished with PhotoShop)

Chic

From Chic Silber #2

2012-02-11T05:40:00.001-05:00

1501M, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Chic Silber #3

2012-02-11T05:39:00.001-05:00

1501PS, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Whitey:
Please tell us how they reached those billing positions!

From Dave Price

2012-02-11T05:34:00.001-05:00

BucklesBann, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Chic: Thought you'd never ask. Let me send Buckles a picture that explains the procedure. You realize these are cloth "banners" which are tacked not pasted.

Buckles:

This is in response to Chic's question. You know he is not a child of the thirties like you and Richard Reynolds and me, so he doesn't remember when men were iron etc.

Here we see four stout-hearted warriors of the Hagenbeck-Wallace advance car high atop Cleveland's Fireproof Hotel Mecca notifying the citizenry of the coming of the show to the Pubic Auditorium for nine (count 'em nine) big days the early spring of 1928.

You will note that the guys down on the vertical ladders each have one leg over a rung for safety. The guys sitting on the other ladders act as anchors for the first two. At top left we see W A "Sandy" McPherson out of Nashville and a friend of mine for many years.

Banner tackers were also called "tack spitters" since they worked with a mouth full of tacks and a magnetic hammer. You could spot some of them by their missing front teeth. Occasionally one of them would show off and swing on the ladder, providing a bit to the amusement of the crowds which would sometimes gather below, but I have been told by more than one of the oldsters that not one member of the banner brigade ever fell to his death.

The shows would send a "banner puller" around to pull these off the walls after show day and Rex Lee, one of a family of advance men, caught pneumonia while pulling banners in high cold winds and died as a result. You might remember his brother "Front Page Frank" Lee, press agent extraordinaire.

The tacks went into the mortar, not into the bricks and after so many years of being tacked, some buildings had lost a lot of the mortar and the billers had to hammer wood shims between the bricks to have something to tack.

I hope you younger guys are saving this stuff before all my wisdom dies with me.

Post Card #1 (From Buckles)

2012-02-11T05:30:00.001-05:00

02-11-2012 05;21;55AM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Post Card #2 (reverse side)

2012-02-11T05:28:00.001-05:00

02-11-2012 05;23;27AM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Post Card #3

2012-02-11T05:26:00.001-05:00

02-11-2012 05;25;05AM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Chris Berry #1

2012-02-10T05:39:00.001-05:00

Cole%20Bros%20CHICAGO%20STADIUM%20(1938), a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From the time it Zack Terrell and Jess Adkins started their show in 1935 until it closed in 1950, the Cole Bros Circus was primarily a tented circus, traveling by rail, performing under canvas and playing mostly one night stands. Still Cole Bros did have several notable bookings in arenas - often against significant opposition from other shows.

This shot taken outside of the Chicago Stadium in 1938 shows not only a Cole Bros billboard for Dorothy Herbert, but also features her name in lights, along with that of Clyde Beatty and western star Ken Maynard.

From the time that the Stadium opened in the Spring of 1929 until it closed in the fall of 1994, it was home to many circuses including Sells-Floto, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Cole Bros, Ringling-Barnum and for several years Barnes Bros, the indoor show owned by Arthur Wirtz, operator of Chicago's westside arena, known as "The Madhouse on Madison"..

From Chris Berry #2

2012-02-10T05:37:00.001-05:00

Cole%20Bros%20CHICAGO%20COLISEUM%20Courier%20(1935), a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Cole Bros Courier - Chicago Coliseum - 1935

When Jess Adkins and Zack Terrell's new Cole Bros Circus made its first appearance in Chicago in 1935, it did so at the old Chicago Coliseum at 15th and Wabash. The Coliseum was built in 1899 and for several years aroudn the turn of the last century was home to the Chicago opening of the Ringling Bros. Circus. At the same time that Cole Bros was showing at the Coliseum in the spring of 1935, Hagenbeck Wallace Forepaugh-Sells was simultaneously showing at the Chicago Stadium - day-and-dating the new Cole show for the entire run. This courier was one of the first pieces of printed advertising ever distributed by the new Cole Bros. Circus during its first season.

From Chris Berry #3

2012-02-10T05:35:00.001-05:00

Cole%20Bros%20CHICAGO%20STADIUM%20Program%20(1936), a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Cole Bros Program - Chicago Stadium - 1936

After one season on the road, Cole Bros made its first appearance at the Chicago Stadium in 1936. For the next several years Cole Bros made the Stadium its Chicago home - and special program books were produced for the indoor appearances.

From Chris Berry #4

2012-02-10T05:31:00.001-05:00

Cole%20Bros%20HIPPODROME%20BILLING%20(1937)%20Seventh%20Ave%20@%2041st%20St, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Cole Bros Hippodrome Billing (1937)

After just two seasons on the road, the Cole Bros Circus had become a force to be reckoned with. This spectacular billing stand at Seventh Avenue and 41st Street in Manhattan promotes the season's opening of Cole Bros at the New York Hippodrome. Adkins and Terrell booked their circus into the Hippodrome at the same time that Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey was showing at Madison Square Garden, and for the first time in many years two big circuses were exhibiting in Manhattan at the same time.

From Chris Berry #5

2012-02-10T05:29:00.001-05:00

Cole%20Bros%20CHICAGO%20STADIUM%20Program%20(1937), a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Chris Berry - Chicago Stadium - 1937

After the New York stand, Cole Bros traveled to Chicago, where it again set up at the Chicago Stadium - and once again it was up against a simultaneous booking of Hagenbeck-Wallace across town. This is the special Cole Bros. program book that was only used for that date in 1937. The Great Depression caused severe financial problems for the show in the summer of 1937, and on August 11 it closed early in Scottsville, Missouri.

From Chris Berry #6

2012-02-10T05:26:00.001-05:00

Cole%20Bros%20CHICAGO%20STADIUM%20Program%20(1938), a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Cole Bros Program - Chicago Stadium - 1938

Although the season of 1938 started off well, within weeks poor business conditions were responsible for a number of shows closing, including Cole Bros - which used this special program for its Chicago Stadium dates. Despite the big names of Clyde Beatty, Ken Maynard and Dorothy Herbert, Cole Bros closed on August 3 in Bloomington, Illinois. Many of the acts, including Clyde Beatty, shifted to Adkins and Terrell's Robbins Bros Circus, which also closed at the end of the 1938 season. In 1939 the show skipped Chicago entirely and didn't return to the Windy City until 1950 after Arthur Wirtz had purchased the show. Only then did it return to the Chicago Stadium. Although the old Cole Bros Circus never toured under canvas after 1950, for several years Wirtz did put together an indoor show with the Cole title which he booked into the Chicago Stadium each spring.

From Buckles #1

2012-02-10T05:23:00.001-05:00

MAIL0480, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Dorothy Herbert and Ken Maynard.

From Buckles #2

2012-02-10T05:20:00.004-05:00

02-09-2012 04;22;44PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

1961 Detroit Shrine Circus.
On this occasion Mr. Beatty asked me how he could contact my dad, I later learned it regarded a book he had in the works.....as it turned out, my father passed away two years later and Mr. Beatty two years after that.

From Don Covington

2012-02-10T05:11:00.001-05:00

18432-55301, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Chicago is getting its very own circus! "The Windy City Circus: A Circus With A Purpose", is a new non-for-profit event put together by David and Diana Maas, best known for their world famous Quick Change routine, which has been showcased on numerous television shows including America's Got Talent and The Oprah Winfrey Show. The performances will benefit different charities and for their premier, will be located at Navy Pier.

2012 Circus Vargas #1 (From Frank Ferrante)

2012-02-09T05:48:00.001-05:00

VARGAS%20TECH%20REHEARSAL, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Buckles -

Like they say on Broadway, 'When Chic Silber asks for something, get it pronto!) Here are a few show shots from Circus Vargas this week. Included is a shot from dress rehearsal and one from opening night less than 24 hours later with Kevin Venardos in the roll of their new singing ringmaster and creative director. The other shots include the Flying Tabares, the Angels of the Air (Yasmin Rodriguez Rivera, Michelle Rivera Esqueda and Soraya Ortiz), Jon Weiss, and the Zinduna Pirates and Ringmaster Kevin Venardos. The show moves to Metrocenter Mall in Phoenix for shows Thursday thru Monday (2/9-2/13).

~frank

2012 Circus Vargas #2

2012-02-09T05:46:00.001-05:00

KEVIN%20VENARDOS, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

2012 Circus Vargas #3

2012-02-09T05:42:00.001-05:00

ZINDUNA%20PIRATES%202, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

2012 Circus Vargas #4

2012-02-09T05:37:00.001-05:00

VARGAS%20JON, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

2012 Circus Vargas #5

2012-02-09T05:35:00.001-05:00

ANGELS%20OF%20THE%20AIR, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

2012 Circus Vargas #6

2012-02-09T05:33:00.001-05:00

FLYING%20TABARES, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

2012 Circus Vargas #7

2012-02-09T05:32:00.001-05:00

VARGAS%20OPENING%20NIGHT, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Buckles

2012-02-09T05:29:00.003-05:00

02-09-2012 05;26;36AM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

A spiritualistic critique from the inimitable Mr. V would be interesting.

From Henry Schroer #1

2012-02-08T15:01:00.001-05:00

Cameraman%20Henry, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Hi Buckles,

Here are two more items that may be of interest to your readers. The one with the camels in

front of the Dom got me in to a lot of trouble because I did it with out anybody telling me to do it.

The News Paper guy paid me for my troubles quite good so I didn't care to much.

I did the camera man bid quite often, almost every time we did a TV special.

All the best

Henry

From Henry Schroer #2

2012-02-08T14:59:00.001-05:00

Superdom%20Camel, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Kenton Cornish #1

2012-02-08T06:10:00.001-05:00

!cid__a062408dec332fa76b3c3@[159_28_32_101]_0, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Dear Sir,

Hello,

I thought you may be interested in seeing two old photographs that were sent to me some time ago by
Dr.John Iverson ,professor of Biology at Earlham College ,Richmond Indiana of the mounted skeleton of
Van Amburgh's famous elephant
"Tippoo-Sahib"which had died(or maybe killed)in the old brick foundry building on Eastern Avenue at Connersville Indiana April-7-1871.
Its skeleton was buried at the top of Indian Hill on the Charles Frost farm 3 miles North west of Connersville and later exhumed in 1877 and mounted in 1878 at nearby Earlham college .
The skeleton was later destoyed in a fire in 1924.
In one photo it stands to the left of a Mastodon skeleton that was found near Losantville Indiana
which was mounted in 1895.The Mastodon skeleton survived the fire and can still be seen
at Earlham College today.
thank you
K.C Cornish

From Kenton Cornish #2

2012-02-08T06:08:00.001-05:00

7, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Kenton Cornish #3

2012-02-08T06:03:00.001-05:00

tomd, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Dear Sir,,

I dont know if you have visited this site.
This web page has been up for a few years.
It is about Karl King ,the band director of the Sells-Floto show.
On this web page can be seen a couple of interesting photos of the elephant "Tom Tom "

http://karlking.us/story_y.htm

"Tom Tom" (From Buckles)

2012-02-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

02-07-2012 12;03;29PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Kenton Cornish #4

2012-02-08T05:55:00.001-05:00

elephant, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

dear sir,

Many years ago I saw a photograph that was on display at the Haun Musem at Jetmore
in western Kansas.The old photo was that of a dead circus elephant with a group of people
standing around it.At the time,no one at the museum could really say the details surronding
it,other then it happened in Jetmore around 1911.For many years I wondered about it.
Finally in 2005 I posted the question at the circus history message board(message 503).
and Bob Cline answered it there that the elephant in the photograph was most likely that of
"Monte" of the Kit Carson Buffalo Ranch show Monte was ordered killed after he had killed his
trainer James Hildebrant a day or two before in another town.
Here is a link to the photograph that can be seen in the Haun Museum Jetmore Kansas.

http://www.hodgman.org/hodgeman-county-history/bedtime-story.html

"Monte" (From Buckles)

2012-02-08T05:52:00.001-05:00

02-07-2012 12;00;32PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Wayne Jackson

2012-02-08T05:49:00.001-05:00

Kaavialakkadu%20Pooram,%20Kunnamkulam,%20Kerala-By%20Marshal_C_Radhakrishnan, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From: marshal cr [mailto:marshal_cr@yahoo.co.in]
Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 5:51 AM
To: Radhakrishnan C.N
Cc: Marshal CR; Marshal Bond
Subject: KAAVIALKKADU KOOTI EZHUNNALLIPPU (27-1-2012) Friday

Anna May Wong (From Dave Price)

2012-02-08T05:42:00.001-05:00

BucklesWong, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Did you know that Anna May Wong not only has the distinction of having had TWO elephants named after her but now has been accorded that rare honor of having her picture on T-shirts?

Can coffee mugs be far behind?

Years ago when I was in Los Angeles I tried to call Anna May but I kept getting the Wong number.

And that, gentle reader, is the joke that took vaudeville to its painful death.

Anna May Wong (From Buckles)

2012-02-08T05:37:00.002-05:00

2310102528_0f25ed61fe, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

".....hair the color of the raven's wing!" is the way my dad described Miss Wong in one of his letters.
William P. Hall imported a lot of young elephants in the 1920's a number of which remained in the circus business for many years.
"Sidney" and "Wilma" were named after his daughters and others like "Katie", "Nellie", "Tessie", "Juno", "Mona", "Sadie", "Elsie", etc. some of which were still around when I was an adult.
My dad continually lobbied to have one named after his raven haired lady and they eventually gave in.

"Anna May" #1 (From Buckles)

2012-02-08T05:20:00.001-05:00

02-07-2012 11;57;44AM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Clyde Beatty Circus 1951 "Anna May" and Richard Shipley.

"Anna May" #2

2012-02-08T05:16:00.001-05:00

02-07-2012 11;55;23AM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

A moment to bask in the sunshine!

2012-02-07T22:35:00.002-05:00

DSC00003, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Out of curiosity I clicked this month's viewership and in the first seven days have received hits from all 50 states plus D.C. and an equal number from foreign countries.
I would like to think that our gay badinage has spread world wide, I hope it's not the fascination people hold as they drive past a car wreck.

I got a premature birthday gift today, a yellow key board for my computer with large black letters that I had seen advertised on TV. This is my first message typed, much easier on the eyes.

From Bob Swaney

2012-02-07T15:10:00.002-05:00

250px-Theoraclearena, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Wikipedia. I remember seeing RBBB in the 60s while stationed at Travis AFB.

"I even showed nearby on the other side of the Interstate with Universoul in 2001.
Did big business. My last season on the road."
Buckles

From Sue Lenz

2012-02-07T12:53:00.001-05:00

!cid_X_MA1_1328630413@aol, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Hi Buckles:

Re: The photo from Jeff Darnell, it is definitely the Arena in Oakland, California.
The following photo of Barrie Sloans "Big heads" was taken by me in 1971.

From Henry Schroer #1

2012-02-07T05:32:00.001-05:00

Superdom%20New%20Orleans, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Hi Buckles,

This are photos of the Super Dom in New Orleans, 1976 when we played there the first time with the Red show.

I think the Rolling Stones opened the Building the year before and it was a sold out house with over 120000 people.

All the best to you and your family

Henry

From Henry Schroer #2

2012-02-07T05:30:00.001-05:00

Superdom%20New%20Orleans%203, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Henry Schroer #3

2012-02-07T05:28:00.001-05:00

Superdom%20New%20Orleans3, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Jeff Darnell #1

2012-02-07T05:24:00.001-05:00

SerfandElephant, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Hi Buckles,
I've searched high and low for a photo that might solve the "mullion mystery" that Chic noted.
I'm not sure where this building is... but's it's not Dorton Arena. Perhaps this was where the photo of Ms. Concello was taken.
Serf and Piccolo sp? photos attached
We're looking forward to both shows in NC this week.
Best to Barbara and family,
Jeff Darnell
aka
"J.D."

From Jeff Darnell #2

2012-02-07T05:23:00.001-05:00

SerfandPicolo, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Jeff Darnell #3

2012-02-07T05:21:00.001-05:00

Giants_among_menBW, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Clown & Elephant #1 (From Buckles)

2012-02-07T05:18:00.001-05:00

Scan11893, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Clown & Elephant #2

2012-02-07T05:17:00.001-05:00

Scan11197, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Clown & Elephant #3

2012-02-07T05:15:00.001-05:00

Scan11195, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Clown & Elephant #4

2012-02-07T05:14:00.001-05:00

Scan000011212, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Clown & Elephant #5

2012-02-07T05:13:00.001-05:00

SAVE1312, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

From Frank Ferrante #1

2012-02-06T06:10:00.001-05:00

With%20KATYA%20&%20NELSON%20QUIROGA, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Buckles -

Pictured is Frank Ferrante with Nelson & Katya Quiroga at the Tempe, AZ lot for CIRCUS VARGAS. They have one more week in the Phoenix area before moving to a long run in Southern California - starting with San Diego.

The Quirogas and brother, Alberto Marinelli purchased the show from Roland Kaiser, (Katya's step-father), in 2006. Katya and Nelson met on the Vargas show when Clifford Vargas brought the Flying Tabares troupe to join the show in 1989. The show features a new Big Top that made its premiere appearance last year, quality lighting and sound systems, and wonderful performers from around the world.

From Frank Ferrante #2

2012-02-06T06:07:00.001-05:00

ALBERTO%20MARINELLI, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Also included is a picture with Alberto Marinelli, who will be going back up in the air when CIRCUS VARGAS returns to California with a side-by-side flying trapeze.

Best regards to The Elephant Empress and your family,
~frank

2012 Universoul Circus #1 (From Michael Newton-Brown)

2012-02-06T06:01:00.002-05:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8313942@N07/6828971825/, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Buckles,
We went to the Universoul Circus Sunday in Tampa. It is the first stop on the new show tour, and our first time seeing Universoul.
Sorry, my camera isn't better to get more shots of the acts. Outstanding moments: a Caribbean production featuring limbo and Trinidad stilt walkers,
8 young men in the most interesting hip hop contortionist act I've ever seen, Chinese martial arts, Russian vaulting act, two Chinese girls in a beautiful
pas de deux air act on a rigging of two hoops connected at 45 degrees. The cat act began with Circle of Life from The Lion King. It was seven tigers.
Same trainer presented a liberty act of camels, zebras, llamas, and ponies. The lighting music, and costumes were some of the best I've seen on a circus.
This is not like any circus I've ever seen, and we had a great time.

2012 Universoul Circus #2

2012-02-06T05:57:00.001-05:00

!cid_BF8ADAD3-832C-4B49-BBF1-F0D78788BDF6@earthlink, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

2012 Universoul Circus #3

2012-02-06T05:56:00.001-05:00

!cid_41506A65-B44E-4637-8330-143C7B73B0E7@earthlink, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

2012 Universoul Circus #4

2012-02-06T05:52:00.001-05:00

!cid_6097EE20-E949-44D2-B89C-A1B24BBFB77D@earthlink, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

2012 Universoul Circus #5

2012-02-06T05:51:00.001-05:00

!cid_A0D7D980-811D-4845-9E16-9EDF6CDA2AEE@earthlink, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

2012 Universoul Circus #6

2012-02-06T05:49:00.001-05:00

!cid_817B771A-FF38-4AB3-A4D7-C68908C349F2@earthlink, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

2012 Universoul Circus #7

2012-02-06T05:48:00.001-05:00

!cid_E2090836-64E5-4E22-BA64-6FD9D8CDB9F3@earthlink, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Circus City USA #1 (From Jim Hall)

2012-02-05T05:59:00.001-05:00

DSC08369, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Now a trip to Winter Quarters where the first vehicle seen is the cook house.
Ah, the smell of fresh paint, new plywood and welding is in the air....busy, busy, busy!
The show heads to the Valley on 2/2/12.
All looks ship shape.
Jimmy

Circus City USA #2

2012-02-05T05:45:00.001-05:00

DSC08368, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Exhibit trailer

Circus City USA #3

2012-02-05T05:42:00.001-05:00

_DSC8377, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

New rig being framed out, self contained, for 24 hour man.

Circus City USA #4

2012-02-05T05:40:00.001-05:00

_DSC8376, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

New rig with a definite touch from show painter, Bobby Rawls

Circus City USA #5

2012-02-05T05:38:00.001-05:00

_DSC8374, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Danny Carey Brown keeping supplies in order.

Circus City USA #6

2012-02-05T05:31:00.001-05:00

_DSC8372, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Shop truck. More handy work by show painter, Mr Rawls.

Circus City USA #7

2012-02-05T05:29:00.001-05:00

DSC08370, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

And now a trip down the road passing by Culpepper Merryweather's WQ to the Endangered Arc facility.

Circus City USA #8

2012-02-05T05:26:00.001-05:00

DSC08488, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Got to visit with Tim Frisco and little "Hugo" . All elephant rolling stock has also made it's trip to the paint shop and looking ship shape.

Circus City USA #9

2012-02-05T05:23:00.001-05:00

DSC08489, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Also got to see little "Hugo" who already crosses his T's and dots his I's quite well.

Circus City USA #10

2012-02-05T05:19:00.002-05:00

_DSC8462, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

On the subject of posters.

2012-02-05T05:14:00.001-05:00

Gollmar - Norris & Rowe (1905) Morris,MN, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Gollmar-Norris & Rowe (1905) Morris, Mn

In the summer of 1905 residents of the small town of Morris, Minnesota were treated to two rival circuses in a 24 hour period. On July 6 Norris and Rowe visited the town and on July 7 the Gollmar Bros put up its big top. In this photo you can see date sheets for both shows posted on a main thoroughfare. While Norris and Rowe would arrive first, the Gollmar's are urging residents to WAIT for their show the next day.
(Circus World Museum, Robert L. Parkinson Library)

Chris Berry

Hugo Circus Festival #1 (From Jim Hall)

2012-02-04T05:55:00.001-05:00

DSC08367, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Buckles,
I made one of my annual pilages to the promise land to Hugo on Jan. 28, 2012 for the annual Red Nose Cafe event fundraiser. Big doins. Here are a few photos of the event.

Welcome sign at city limits.

Hugo Circus Festival #2

2012-02-04T05:51:00.001-05:00

_DSC8386, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Event Banner for the dinner and show.

Hugo Circus Festival #3

2012-02-04T05:49:00.001-05:00

_DSC8395, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Crowd shot at the feed.