Ringilng Bros AL RINGLING Check (1913)

Ringilng Bros AL RINGLING Check (1913), originally uploaded by bucklesw1. From: Chris Berry With the Jimmy Stewart classic movie showing up this time of year, it's worthwhile to take a look at the many stories about the relationship that the Ringlings had with the "First National Bank of Baraboo" (since 1938 the "Baraboo National Bank"). For example, during the 1890s there was a scene similar to the run on the "Bailey Savings and Loan" in the Frank Capra classic film. Instead of George Bailey saving the day - the story goes that it was Charles Ringling who brought bags of silver coins into the lobby of the bank - calming the nerves of investors. The bank returned the favor in the early 20th Century giving loans to the show to cover losses caused by everything from the economy to weather. As the Ringling circus interests grew it was important for the show to have a bigger bank behind it and much of the financial operation moved to the Dearborn National Bank in Chicago - but the Ringlings stayed active with the Baraboo bank into the 1920s, serving as officers and members of the Board of Directors. These two checks are great examples of fine engraving used on what would otherwise be drab business documents. Although Otto Ringing (who had been the show's Treasurer) died in 1911, his portrait (and that of his other four brothers) still appeared on this check from January of 1913. The check - for $5.40 - is payable to "E. Langdon" and endorsed by Al Ringling (in pencil). The second check (from later in 1913) shows a different logo design that reflects the bold colors and power of the Circus Kings. This check from November of 1913 is in the amount of $8.00 and is payable to Carl Saager, and signed by brother Henry Ringling.