The Rudynoff Family

The Rudinoffs were brought to America by the American Circus Corporation to the John Robinson Circus as bareback riders in 1923. During the ensuing years Rudy became a liberty and high school trainer under Ernst Schumann, who ACC also brought to America for a couple years. In 1928 Erna Rudinoff, while working as a principal rider, the horse stumbled and fell down throwing her against the ring curb and severly damaged her leg. Taken to a small private hospital in Florence, S.C. Her care was totally inadequate and the show was gone. They could not put her leg in a cast as the wounds needed to be treated and only a splint was put on. All alone for months, her sister-in-law came and took her to Baltimore and a large hosp. but it was too late and gangerine set in. They thought they could amputate below the knee, but found the infection had traveled above the knee, so they took off her whole leg. The John Robinson circus paid all of her bills because she got hurt riding a show owned horse. She did not know how much money was paid on her behalf, but felt the South Carolina Hospital had inflated her bill. She broke her elbow as well and her right arm was in a cast. From John Hopkins Hospital she went to her sister-in-laws home in Baltimore on crutches and was the fitted for an artificial leg. A second leg was specially designed molded into a riding position, so she would be able eventually to go back to riding High School. Months later Jerry Mugvian called her into his office in Peru and advised her he was negotiating to sell ACC to Ringling and with Jess Adkins present and concurring, urged Erna to sign a release prohibiting her from suing Ringling for any compensation due her. He advised her in Adkins presence and promised a nice house for her and her young son and that they "would never have to worry". The release was in writing and the promise was made verbally with Mugvian adding "If anything should happen to me, Mister Jess Adkins will see that my wishes are carried out". She signed the release and ACC sold to Ringling. Mugvian then entered a hospital for a hernia operation, complications set in and he died. Erna and Rudy were among the mourners as they had greatly admired him. After one month she went out to quarters to talk with Mr. Adkins about the promise of the house. To her surprise he said, " I don't remember such a promise". Erna then went to the other owners, Mr. Ballard said he did not know of any such deal and Mr. Bowers said he did not know anything about it either. Erna said she had only one other recourse, but she never bothered Mrs. Mugvian about the promised house. She only wished that she had gotten the promise in writing. All of this info is from the wonderful book about the great Rudinoffs authored by E. Clark and Kathryn Beurlen titled " Hoofers, Dancing on a Sawdust Stage" Quotes from Erna and wonderful history of ACC and Ringling from her personal recollections in a more intimate setting. Published by Circus Day Productions, 5162 Orchard Green, Columbia , Md. 21045-1930. Its a great read with alot of great names and circus reviews outlined.They were great equestrian family and am proud to have known them and we frqently socialize with Rudy Jr. and his lovely wife Beverly. From John Herriott