Buckles Blog: From Buckles #7

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Got this picture of Swede from Jerry Digney, maybe he can fill in the details.

Anonymous said...: don't know too much about Swede's lion career, but I think much of his circus life was in the steel arena—at least 35 years, and he stuck with lions—he came to the U.S. as an asst. to Alfred Court; when we caught up, beginning in 1970, he was an older gent and had quit the lion biz to clown for Bill Ballantine, as a Clown Cop character, on Ringling, which had just launched its second unit and was grabbing every seasoned clown it could to fill the ranks; he stayed with Ringling until 1976 and died a year later. He was a great character. Daughter Ann was a showgirl and later married the late Frank Stephenson of dog act fame. Both their kids I believe are with the circus, one with Cirque, the other a concession sales exec with Ringling. That’s 3 generations with Ringling and I have fond memories of all of them!; 28 July, 2014 19:30
Philip Astley said...: Hello Jerry,

I would love to get in contact with you regarding Swede Johnson. Perhaps you could send me your email address. My address is jclubb@amazinganimals.co.uk

I didn't realize Swede came to America with Court.

Regards,
Jim Clubb; 07 August, 2014 04:40

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