Not at all. The Barnes program, even after the loss of Mr. Barnes himself, and the buying of the show by John Ringling, was basically a wild animal circus. Benny Bennett and I once took some Barnes programs and for one season counted 19 times the arena, which went up and stayed up, was required. Another season called upon the cage 26 times, often enough with something in both end rings. It was a powerful show in all respects. Here, we're looking at 1937. On this combine in '38, Mabel Stark broke 22 mixed lions and tigers for her biggest act. The number varied during the season, but even with the advent of Ringling acts that season, in Redfield, South Dakota, Mabel's act held the spotlight.
3 comments:
Isn't it odd that there would be acts on both sides of the arena act?
All the cat acts I have ever seen were the only act on at that time.
Not at all. The Barnes program, even after the loss of Mr. Barnes himself, and the buying of the show by John Ringling, was basically a wild animal circus. Benny Bennett and I once took some Barnes programs and for one season counted 19 times the arena, which went up and stayed up, was required. Another season called upon the cage 26 times, often enough with something in both end rings. It was a powerful show in all respects. Here, we're looking at 1937. On this combine in '38, Mabel Stark broke 22 mixed lions and tigers for her biggest act. The number varied during the season, but even with the advent of Ringling acts that season, in Redfield, South Dakota, Mabel's act held the spotlight.
Does anyone have a picture of the 22 mixed lions and tigers that Ms. Stark "broke?"
Wade Burck
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