Joe Zoppe, Hempstead, NY 1970 (From Jim Cole)

Joe Zoppe, Hempstaed, NY 1970, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Dammit I missed this picture, I try to enter them in sequence. Sorry Joe! Buckles

Maine Dates 1970 #1 (From Jim Cole)

Diano Elephants, Maine Dates 1970, originally uploaded by bucklesw Lee Keener and the Diano Elephants 40 Years Ago...1970 Circus Season, from Jim Cole

Maine Dates 1970 #2

Jeanette & Albert Rix, Maine Dates 1970, originally uploaded by bucklesw Jeanette and Albert Rix

Maine Dates, 1970 #3

Albert Rix & Kim Kristensen, Maine Dates, 1970, originally uploaded by bucklesw Kim Kristensen assisted by Albert Rix.

Maine Dates, 1970 #4

Lili & Svend Kristensen, Maine Dates, 1970, originally uploaded by bucklesw Lili and Sven Kristensen

Hamid Morton 1970 #1

Henk Luycx , Hawthorne Tigers, Hamids Morton 1970, originally uploaded by bucklesw Henk Luycx and Hawthorn Tigers

Hamid Morton 1970 #2

Hawthorn Elephants , Hamid Morton 1970, originally uploaded by bucklesw Hawthorn Elephants

Hamid Morton 1970 #3

The Flying Souls, Hamid Morton 1970, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The Flying Souls

Beatty-Cole, Commack, NY, 1970 (Opening date)

Dave Hoover Beatty Cole Opening Date, Commack NY 1970, originally uploaded by bucklesw Dave Hoover

Beatty-Cole, Commack, NY 1970 #2

Freddy Logan, 1st year on Beatty-Cole, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Fred Logan , 1st year on Beatty Cole

Beatty Cole, Commack, NY 1970 #3

Batty Cole, Commack, NY 1, originally uploaded by bucklesw "Looks like they were working out of the trucks and after being watered Logan is exercising the herd to take the chill out. We used to do this in the old barn in Hugo on a cold morning." Buckles Beatty-Cole 1970 Elephant Herd Ring 1- Topsy, Frieda, Jewel Ring 2- Pete, Sue, Dena, Bee, Gyp Ring 3- Maude, Kate, Helen (The small elephant "Jackie" didn't work)

Hempstead, NY 1970 #1

Hall's Bears, Hempstead, NY 1970, originally uploaded by bucklesw Hall's Bears

Hempstaed, NY 1970 #2

Guy Gossing, Hempstaed, NY 1970, originally uploaded by bucklesw Guy Gossing

Rocky Point Park, Rhode Island 1970

Jeanette Rix at Rocky Point Park, RI, originally uploaded by bucklesw Jeanette Rix

Col. G.W. Hall

Scan12597, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Among the important figures in the early days of the circus in Wisconsin is George W. Hall (Popcorn George). Hall started a circus in Evansville in 1884 and got his nickname because he started raising his own material for one of the show's best sellers, popcorn.

Col. G.W. Hall parade #1

Scan12610 - Copy, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. On the back of these parade pictures is stamped: Credit P.M. McClintock Detroit, Michigan

Col. G.W. Hall parade #2

Scan12609 - Copy, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Col. G.W. Hall parade #3

Scan12611 - Copy, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Col. G.W. Hall parade #4

Scan12612 - Copy, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Col. G.W. Hall parade #5

Scan12613, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Frank W. Hall

Scan12598, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Proprietor of Hall's United Shows 1900's.

J. Augustus Jones #1

Scan12611, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Well known showman and along with his brother Elmer Jones noted for their 2-car shows.

J. Augustus Jones #2

MAIL0338, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. This is my favorite picture from one of the Jones' units.

Bert Cole

Scan12614, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. To those of you who might have read the Charles Sparks letters in the current BANDWAGON, this is Bert Cole as a youth, a dear friend of Mr. Sparks and the recipient of many of the letters written in their later lives. I can't help but think that Mr. Cole might have dreaded receiving a lot of them.

Henry Gentry #1

Scan12612, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. I had always regarded Mr. Gentry as having an "Elmer Fuddish" appearance until I read the Fred Pfening article below.

Henry Gentry #2

Scan12616, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. I lifted a portion of a lengthy letter written by Frederic Bonfils to H.H. Tammen, owners of the Sells-Floto Circus, from a 1967 BANDWAGON article by Fred Pfening regarding the rampage and death of "Snyder" in Salina, Kansas Sept. 13, 1920 bringing Mr. Gentry into a new light. "I want you to remember the following: I have never seen two more loyal and brave men in my life than Henry and Frank Gentry. I would not have done what I saw them do with eyes yesterday, for all the money in the United States. I had to absolutely prevent Henry Gentry from trying to subdue that ferocious beast. It would have been certain death for him to have attempted it. Frank Gentry just escaped by almost a miracle. The elephant ran after him and struck at him, just grazing his back. Frank dodged and doubled and before the elephant could turn, he had gotten behind a wagon." Odd how the town folk wanted to have their picture taken with the carcass, even children were included. Maybe some enterprising soul had set up a mug joint. Buckles

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS SCORE?

!cid_X_MA1_1264730009@aol, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Saints 31- Colts 17

From Darlene #1

Scan12601, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. My daughter in law Darlene Williams brought over some pictures of her days with the Vargas Show and Ringling Red prior to that. I borrowed a few for the Blog. They are not in the proper sequence but I'm sure some of you viewers can readily identify the people and show. Buckles

From Darlene #2

Scan12607, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Darlene #3

Scan12599, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Darlene #4

Scan12604, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Darlene #5

Scan12606, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Darlene #6

Scan12608, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Darlene #7

Scan12605, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Darlene #8

Scan12603, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Darlene #9

Scan12602, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Darlene #10

Scan12600, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

State Fair #1

2010-02-06 15.37.36, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Shannon sent me these from the Fairgrounds yesterday, Kay and Jay on the "simp hoister". Kathleen keeps a pretty busy schedule, this evening she has a social engagement with Miss Breana and Miss Veronica Wells down at the Club. All three have vowed not to run around during the game.

State Fair #2

2010-02-06 15.52.57, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. This sure looks a lot easier than walking the elephant in a circle across from the side show at Circus World Museum.

State Fair #3

2010-02-06 16.35.20, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Welde's Bear Show. Notice the scenic panels in the background, very impressive. Shannon tells me that aside from the mug shot, you can feed the bears for $2 a pop. I asked him how you feed a bear and he said "Very carefully!".

From Mike Naughton #1

2, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. George Hanneford, THE GEORGIANS, RBBB Stephenson's "World's Greatest Dog Act" RBBB Ethel Jennier, mixed animals, RBBB

From Mike Naughton #2

47, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Mike Naughton #3

camel-llama-circus, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Kelly-Miller #1 (From Peter Rosa)

!cid_0D6EACC6-98E2-4CFD-9E12-EC577263A5F7@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. ROSA COLLECTION NO YEAR or PLACE NOTED "I would say these were taken in the late 1950's. Al Hill's original paint jobs from 1950 appear to have been touched up a few times." Buckles

Kelly-Miller #2

!cid_C8D0FBED-5F4B-4183-8476-07CEFEABDE67@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Kelly-Miller #3

!cid_7419FFCE-1323-4E02-91E8-2C6432DFDFCF@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Kelly- Miller #4

!cid_20FD0763-5348-42D0-9504-E5E4003A7139@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Barely made it to the lot.

From Buckles

SAVE1518, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Al G. Kelly & Miller Bros. Circus 1950 (Notice the original art work) Isla and Barbara Jane Miller

From Paul Gutheil

IMG_3724, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Did their part to support the war effort. Best in buying bonds, Paul "Overslept this morning. Spent half the night reading the latest Bandwagon. Article on Charlie Sparks and Tom Parkinson's interview with Noyelles Burkhart are incredible." Buckles

US Tent 1919 cat - res seat starbacks (From Dick Flint)

US Tent 1919 cat - res seat starbacks, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Buckles, Here's a clear view of a section of starbacks--reserved seat sections--as illustrated in a big United States Tent & Awning Co. catalog issued for the 1919 season. Self-described as "The Largest and Best Equipped Show Tent House in the World," this 128-page US Tent catalog also contains an application form in the back for the Showmen's League of America. Both organizations were Chicago-based. For the uninitiated, the back piece with the star folded down onto the seat for loading. Dick Flint Baltimore

Baker Tent starbacks001

Baker Tent starbacks001, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Here's a good drawing from my Spring 1930 catalog of Baker-Lockwood, based in Kansas City, Missouri, that shows how a section of starbacks also incorporated foot rests as well as how the backs appeared folded down.

From Buckles

Scan000010368 - Copy, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Hal Guyon

starback, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Buckles, Here is a picture of a starback seat. Hal Guyon

From Paul Gutheil #1

star backs, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. BUCKLES: I took this photo in Peru in 2002. Very interesting reading all the related comments. As I probably mentioned, Diane prints out each days blog, but due to cost and space now has to edit out many comments. I would venture a guess that we now have a combined height of pages of over 5 feet and weighing, I'm sure, over 100lbs. A real treasuretrove of Circus History and more. Great thanks ! Best to the troupe, Paul PS Threw in a couple of Biller Bros at no extra cost.

From Paul Gutheil #2

side show with little boy, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Biller Bros. Circus Side Show Banner Line #1

From Paul Gutheil #3

side show banners with car, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Biller Bros. Circus Side Show Banner Line

From Peter Rosa #1

!cid_444D0512-3274-432F-A037-DAE83A1658D4@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. ROSA COLLECTION ADAM FOREPAUGH CIRCUS LION TABLEAU 1888 Providence, RI

From Peter Rosa #2

!cid_69D37A18-2DFC-4A28-AC48-4302CB8C4D5A@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. AL G. BARNES CIRCUS

From Peter Rosa #3

!cid_E05A9C17-8C23-4DD2-805B-6F8524C18907@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Ringling_Barnum_LEOPARD_HEAD_(1941)_one_sheet_upright

Ringling_Barnum_LEOPARD_HEAD_(1941)_one_sheet_upright, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. From Chris Berry: This poster image surely holds the record for longevity by a circus, with Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey using variations of it for more than 30 years starting in 1941. This original design was among that first group of posters which John Ringling North commissioned designer Norman Bel Geddes to produce in the early 40s. Over the years the font changed, the background was temporarily switched from green to red and in 1954 the image of the leopard was sharpened by the artists at Cincinnati's Strobridge Litho Company, one of the last posters that the venerable firm ever printed for Ringling-Barnum (that version used during the 1954-56 seasons is identified by a small printers union seal in the corner of the poster). Over the decades the Ringling-Barnum billing crews posted window cards, half-sheets, one-sheets and wall work with this striking image of a snarling leopard. The date tail for this particular poster is for the performances in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 11, 1941. That particular date is notable in that it was the last time that Ringling-Barnum played Milwaukee for only one-day.

From Eric Beheim

NG Feb. 1940, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Seventy years ago this month, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ran this photo in its February 1940 issue as part of an article titled “Rubber: From Trees to Tires and Toys.” The caption ran as follows: “REMEMBER THE BALLOON MAN OF THE CIRCUS? Three generations of the Zingaros (this is Florindo) have had concessions since the original Barnum & Bailey pitched their tents.”

From Sue Lenz #1

!cid_X_MA1_1265298668@aol, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. There's always one idiot who ruins your holiday photo...

Biller Bros. Circus #1 (From Peter Rosa)

!cid_03E018FB-8B85-46ED-BA9E-E696AF2428E7@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. ROSA COLLECTION BILLER BROS. CIRCUS (THIS PHOTO IS NOTED CALLIOPE)

Biller Bros. Circus #2

!cid_7B9F8A0F-149C-4217-8E4D-036C2C8233DB@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. THE REMAINDER ARE DATED 1951 This is the best photo I have seen of the back of the cook house.

Biller Bros. Circus #3

!cid_8270BECD-8D59-4B15-99BE-4548D2C12B36@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Biller Bros. Circus #4

!cid_2890EB41-4D81-4E1B-BF68-04DD4058218A@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Biller Bros. Circus #5

!cid_75866F6A-7EB0-4355-8BCC-1B640A742661@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Biller Bros. Circus #6

!cid_64E86B93-4FFC-4410-A5C9-B7086CD7F81C@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Buckles

Scan12596, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Biller Bros. Circus 1949 Marion Knowlton with "Pinto" and "Modoc" Swede Johnson at left. RINGLING PINTO 1899-18 Ringling Bros. Circus 1919-36 Ringling-Barnum Circus 1937-38 Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus 1939-40 Surplus RBBB elephants in California 1941-45 Ringling-Barnum Circus 1946 Sparks Circus (Leased from RBBB) 1947-48 Ringling-Barnum Circus 1949-51 Biller Bros. Circus (Died in Memphis Quarters in 1951) The other elephant is one of many named "Modoc". She was very ordinary but rose to fame in her final years when her owner, a West Coast guy named Helfer, had a book written that incorporated her with all the other "Modocs" including "Big Modoc" of Ringling fame. The story line included her voyage to America and a dramatic storm at sea, the worst kind of trash.

Ringling_Barnum_MR&MRS_GARGANTUA_(1941)

Ringling_Barnum_MR&MRS_GARGANTUA_(1941), originally uploaded by bucklesw1. From Chris Berry: This is another in the series of posters produced for Ringling-Barnum by the design studios of Norman Bel Geddes during the early 1940s. This poster is a composite photo and promotes the addition of M'Toto (Swahili for "Little One") who was billed as "Mrs. Gargantua" following a "courtship" that began in the spring of 1941. Although John Ringling North had hoped to mate the two gorillas - it never happened. Incidentally this poster features a date tail for a one-day stand in Oakland California on September 7, 1941. Three months later the United States was at war - and travel restrictions during the ensuing war years kept the Ringling-Barnum circus from returning to California until 1948. Oakland didn't see the Big Show again until September 1949 - the last time it played that city under canvas and just two months prior to Gargantua succumbing to a case of double-pneumonia.

Bailey Bros. Circus #1 (From Peter Rosa)

!cid_EE5D5D78-F87B-4648-AB02-8948A74C2594@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. ROSA COLLECTION PHOTOGRAPHER: GEORGE BRINTON BEAL NO DATES BAILEY BROS. CIRCUS BEERS-BARNES CIRCUS

Bailey Bros. Circus #2

!cid_59800722-DEE0-4370-AAAC-0E11D70FE34A@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Bailey Bros. Circus #3

!cid_E397D426-BD7A-4BC8-84F9-394F62094D77@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Beers-Barnes Circus (From Peter Rosa)

!cid_D83673C5-147B-4A32-BDA8-929C8A9D7247@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Bailey Bros. Circus 1947 (From Buckles)

Scan10638, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Big Bob Stevens Propriator!

Beers-Barnes Circus 1943 #1 (From Buckles)

Scan12596, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Beers-Barnes Cirus 1943 #2

Scan12595, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Beers-Barnes Circus 1943 #3

Scan12594, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Jean Beers

Beers-Barnes Circus 1943 #4

Scan12593, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. "Alice" and Lois Barnes

From Don Covington

paramountcastbello-493x273, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. On Saturday, January 16, Bello joined Bruce Springstein at Asbury Park's historic Paramount Theater as part of a gala concert sponsored by Light of Day Foundation to raise funds for Parkinson's disease research. As you can imagine, he was thrilled to share the stage with "the Boss". .....and by the way, Bello is that churro-haired figure in the two-tone shirt at right.