To Barbara Durtche

To Barbara Durtche, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Other than a few railroad cars and wagons that had once been on the Ringling Show, there was nothing of Historical significance at the Park when I was there. The picture above is an artist's conception of what the park would look like when completed but it never got completed. We opened with a "Reception Center" featuring the IMAX Theater that explained the wonders you would see if you came back in a couple of years. We presented our acts in the hot Florida sun. The park would close from time to time while additions were added and we finally got an indoor arena that allowed us to present a regular circus performance. You are right, Chappie was swept up in Mr. Feld's enthusiasm, as were we all, in fact he was quoted in saying, "I am through recording History, from now on I will be making it!" We fell under the directorship of an endless assortment of young Disney type people that would come and go. I well remember the day the end came, Chappie called for a meeting with the park management and had Lloyd Morgan, Jack Joyce and myself accompany him. He explained in great detail his plans for an ongoing street parade, pointing out his past experiences in Baraboo and Milwaukee, his access to parade vehicles, draft stock and knowledge of the logistics involved. He elaborated on Mr. Joyce's experience with lead stock, horses and as a parade marshal and the fact that we had twenty elephants on hand and finally Mr. Morgan's accessibility to transportation to move all this stuff. The plan was to parade every major city in Central Florida over a period of time. After he had concluded he asked "Well, what do you think?" and this kid that looked to be a college Freshman replied, "Chappie, I don't think I want to mess with it" and that was that. I must say tho, Chappie was one of the few people the Felds showed much loyalty to. He was retained as "Circus Historian" until he finally threw in the towel and returned to Baraboo. The only person I ever knew that retired and went north.