Thursday, October 12, 2006

Marion Knowlton


"When I was a kid, second only to my family's annual trip to New Orleans to see the Ringling Show (under canvas of course) was our visit to the big Cole Bros. railroad show.
One of my earliest boyhood crushes was on a lovely Cole Bros. performer named Marion Knowlton. As I recall, she worked elephants, horses and other animals. She had a great ring presence and sparkle. All these years later I still remember her with great affection.
I'd be delighted if you or one of your circus history experts could tell me more about her. Perhaps a photo? I'd be grateful to know a bit more about this wonderful performer."
Jack Ryan

Posted by Buckles at 10/12/2006 11:13:00 AM

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I remember her being a pretty big well put together handsome lady. Its interesting that both her and Jean Allen had the same large physical characteristics, but both were certainly high regarded by Mr. Terrel and ver principal performers which they both did quite well. I remember when my Dad inherited the seals Marion worked a pair in one ring. Jean and Marion excelled as high school and specialty horses,plus elephants. I recall her being a very nice person and the girls on the show addressing her as Mommy.

12 October, 2006 11:36
Anonymous said...

To John Goodal; Yes Frank Stephenson was of that family and when sister Florrie married she took that spot in the dog act.

12 October, 2006 11:39
Buckles said...

I recall Ms Knowlton as a more mature lady than your description implies. In fact I best remember her, my mother and Florence Tennyson (the Prima Donna) in lawn chairs, between shows, knitting.
I remember her husband Win Partello much better, since I worked on concessions and he was Gene Weeks assistant and handled all the money.
At night my mother and I would help fold grandstand chairs and I distinctly recall both him and Bill Hill humpin'lumber to the stringer wagon.
Win and Marion later settled in Connecticut and he became well known as a Stage Manager for major Broadway Shows on tour.
Bob Commerford was a good friend of theirs and in recent years he would mention that we should visit Ms Knowlton who lived near his farm in Goshen but alas it never happened.

12 October, 2006 12:09
Anonymous said...

Buckles and all,

Thanks for the information on Marion Knowlton. I appreciate the comments. And, my very best regards to John and all the Herriotts. Have not seen you for years but greatly enjoy the comments you bring to the blog. Now that you mention it, I do recall Ms. Knowlton's expertise with high school.

12 October, 2006 12:26
Anonymous said...

Damn. Looks like I'm anonymous again with my Marion Knowlton comment. Sorry.

Jack Ryan

12 October, 2006 12:42
bakeliteradio said...

Does anyone know what part of New Orleans Ringling set-up the tent in? I live in what's left of New Orleans and am very curios

12 October, 2006 13:52
Anonymous said...

As I recall, Ringling-Barnum used several different locations under canvas in New Orleans. One was out on Claiborne Avenue, near the old New Orleans Pelicans ballpark. I recall you could reach it by streetcar.

At least one year, the show got permission from the city to raise the tents in Audubon Park. I recall that being a particularly fine and scenic location.

13 October, 2006 16:25

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