Thursday, October 15, 2009

Route Card #8


Scan12236, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Posted by Buckles at 10/15/2009 06:02:00 AM

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Where would circus historiography be today if this outfit had been a big winner? Would Ray Mundane be on the Space Shuttle?

15 October, 2009 09:16
Fred Pfening said...

I don't know where circus history would be today if Fred J. Mack had done well, but I know if it had I'd be driving a semi and fighting with sponsors and the weather every day. I love the circus, but if I've learned anything over all the years I've studied its history, it's that there are easier ways to make a living. Selling bakery equipment comes to mind. About ten years ago I formed a company called Fred J. Mack LLC. On occasion I sign the checks "Fred J. Mack" and the bank has never caught it. My dad gets a kick out of that. F. D. Pfening III

16 October, 2009 15:15
Harry Kingston said...

Hi Fred III, yes there are many easier ways to make a living than the circus now days. There are many locals that have that hand out wanting more money from the circuses when they did not earn it.
And just to think if the Fred J. Mack Circus went on us fans would not have the collections we have today if it were for Fred Pfening and his circusiana mart. I thank Fred every day what I have in my collection on account of him helping us out. And the prices we paid him then and today damn it is high and out of sight.
I was my great pleasure to finally meet you and your Dad at the Atlanta CFA convention at the auction on the front row. I will never forget that, Mr. Circus.
Also the lecture your Dad gave on the Fred J Mack Circus with many many laughs.
Also for the great Bangwagon magazine that is the best.
Harry Kingston

16 October, 2009 16:43
Ole Whitey said...

In 1958 I was working at a summer camp in North Carolina when my folks forwarded me a list circus material that Fred had sent me. I had to go to the owners of the camp and ask for an advance on my salary to send off for several great posters. I don't think any of them cost as much as five dollars.


Several years later I finally met the great man- it was in the RBBB ticket wagon # 123 on the lakefront in Milwaukee (I think it was the only spot on the lot that had both air conditioning and alcohol).


Fred and I have been involved in many deals since those first lithos and my collection is richer for it.


Above all else Fred is a man of great compassion and generosity. I'm proud to have him as my friend.

17 October, 2009 17:21

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