From Frank Murray

Tusko Colonel Joe 86 001, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr. Good evening Buckles from the back yard of Dick Gardens Tented Show, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Col Joe. I used to put a massive stage howda on Joe, complete with matching blanket and take Jan Bickerstaff in the center ring for her trapeze entrance. Between his height and the elevation of the howda she was able to jump up and grab the bar and begin her act. I am sure some where in the either there are pics of her grand entrance. I also searched for Joe for seven days just north of Lake Okeechobee and found him on the morning of the eighth. It was quite an ordeal and the story is best told on a lazy rainy day with plenty of libation on hand. As the song says "Those where the days my friend, we thought they would never end". Requiscat in pace All the best, Frank Murray