Wednesday, November 29, 2006

The Herriott Ladies #2



Heidi, Christine and Cindy at the Great Milwaukee Parade with the legendary Deacon Blanchfield. Posted by Picasa

Posted by Buckles at 11/29/2006 06:05:00 AM

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I remember the Deacon well. As soon as the Circus World Museum train arrived on the lakefront in Milwaukee, the Deacon, in a white shirt and tie, would mount his Cat until it was time to pull the load off the flats. He waited patiently while three other flats were unloaded before it was his turn. His "pin man" was Fr. Callahan. After the Deacon died, Fr. Callahan became a Cat driver until age caught up with him. Two terrific guys from the old circus parade days.

Johnny Herriott and Paul Ingrassia will remember those days.

30 November, 2006 09:39
Anonymous said...

Paul Ingrassia wrote... Deacon was a real character. Johnny Herriott told Chappie Fox he would add "color" to Circus World and he did indeed! Mayme Ward did the same thing.

Deacon took all his work seriously and when on CWM grounds kept a shovel nearby and would never permit any manure from our many horses to interfere with the patrons shoes. His necktie and his gold cross were his trademarks. He looked sort of mad all the time but was easy to talk to but not chatty.

Fr Callahan was his hook man every chance he got and yes did take over after Deacon was gone.

I don't think Fr Callahan would mind me telling this story. He would say mass at the lakefront for our visitors and workers. I was in the wholesale liquor business and would keep him supplied with Miniatures of various beverages to help ward off the lakefront chill. He usually kept them in his shirt pocket. While saying mass on Sunday he bowed low in advance of the final blessing and three miniatures of Gilbey's Gin hit the ground. He finished the blessing, bowed again to pick them up and smiled back at the congregation.

Share this if you wish....Paul

30 November, 2006 14:15

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)