 As we know, this show was owned by Richard Theodore Ringling, the 21 year old son of Alf T. Ringling, one of the founding Ringling brothers. Interesting to note that in those days ethics dictated that the Ringling name not be used whereas today it can be slapped on most anything. From what I read in BANDWAGON the show lasted one season under canvas and a second in Luna Park. Young Ringling died in 1931 at age 35 but his descendants eventually became 1/3 owners of the Ringling Circus Empire.  |
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
R.T. Richards Circus 1917 #1
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
"SIDE SHOW WONDERS". Reading left to right - banner 1. Snake Enchantress, 2. can't make it out., 3. Electric Lady and 4. Tatooed Wonder.
Alfred T.Ringling manor in
Morris County, New Jersey was the R. T. Richards Circus Winter Headquarters consisting of 180 acres, 5 buildings, 1 structure)
The second banner is for a clay modeler, a scarce side show act. About 1964 the Beatty-Cole side show had an old Pueblo Indian, Felix Netzauhalt (I am sure I spelled the last name incorrectly), doing this act. It was quite remarkable, indeed enchanting, as he rapidly sculpted one form into another with just a few twists of the clay. I had a conversation with him and learned he had heard the strange noise of a calliope near his reservation that resulted in his joining the Campbell Bros. show about 1910. He toured around the world, picking up several languages. He was a member of the Greater Tampa Showmen's Association and more often played carnival side shows in later life. I still have a fine charcoal drawing he gave me of one of the Beatty show elephants. If anyone can add to this brief note, I would hope they might write in as his was a remarkable act!
Dick Flint
Baltimore
I think that the banner line said Feliz at least that's what I remember the talker said.
Post a Comment