| I called Johnny and described these pictures and he said this couple would be Cal and Maida Burgner who owned a sign shop and Chappie had hired them to letter some of the wagons. |
Thursday, August 21, 2008
CWM 1968 #4
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3 comments:
Their work went beyond simple lettering; they [Cal?] also did the scenic panel paintings and such decorative elements as the leaping tiger on the Arthur Bros. Ticket Wagon.
Cal & Maida were much more than Sign Painters. Real Circus Enthusiasts. Cal left us in the early 70's but Maida not to long ago and remained a real "Circus Fan" till the end. Cal & Maida are the ones who originally painted the great circus train and I'll always remember one of the early publicity shots showing them working by light blub after dark trying to finish lettering the flats before the train left the next day. Cal was also a sax player and was part of the Sauk County Circus Band. Two great dedicated passionate circus enthusiasts who not only were involved with CWM but part of the people that really made it work because it wasn't just a job.
Ralph from Baraboo
That photo was taken on the finish painting of the Cole Bros. Red Office-ticket wagon as shown by Cal and Maida and when I remarked to Chappie that I had been paid out of that wagon he had it parked by the Moeller Hippodrome and it would be my office dressing room during my Baraboo days. How proud I was and how Thoughtful of Chap.
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