From Roger Smith

A BRADNA OBITUARY OLYMPE BRADNA Was 92 This notice states her parents were "once-prominent circus acrobats", who "subjected her to a relentless training regimen". I know of no other Bradnas in the circus industry aside from Fred and Ella. In his 1952 book, THE BIG TOP, Bradna wrote on page 44-45, "Helen, our only child, was born in London...My mother was with us, and begged to take the baby to Strasbourg during our second-- and as we thought final--American tour. We did not see our baby again for ten years. She was stricken with infan- tyle paralysis and thus could not travel. She lived with my family, where at least we knew she was receiving far better attention than we could give her in the circus. She visited us after World War I, then married a French businessman." With that, Bradna does not refer again to their daughter. Olympe Bradna, remembered here, danced, had some success on film, and as we see, claimed a French heri- tage. But showbusiness biographies can take strange twists. The circus connection begs the question--does anyone know if Olympe might have been the Helen whom Fred and Ella left behind, with her story somewhat distorted in Fred's book? Or was she of another branch of the Bradna circus lineage? Jackie LeClaire, would you know more of this mystery?

Bertram W. Mills' Circus 1928-29 #3

"The Four Romeos, who, in assiciation with the Redam Troupe, present the big Gladiatorial Display" The Four Romeos include Ella Jokiel, Franz and Elsie Schwalbe and Irmgard Grunert. Ella Jokiel was born in the profession, his father and mother being renowned acrobats' who, at the time, were identified with the Merz Company. Jokiel's birthplace was Frankfort and he received his early training from his parents and in the Katie Merz Company.

"The Act Beautiful"

Scan11146, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. From Paul Gutheil, regarding yesterday's Blog: Does my, not as good as others, memory serve me here? Is this not Ella Bradna and "The Act Beautiful"? Paul "At one time, there were a number of these type acts. The picture above shows Mlle Bradna's version." Buckles

From the Hansen Family #1

thina, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. From Shane Hansen Thina Hansen 1941-2010 Thina was a wonderful wife, mother, friend, and performer she will be dearly missed but never forgotten, she is survived by her husband John, children Shane and Diana, and grandchildren J.R., Michael, Olivia, Madison, and Ella A memorial service will be held at Showfolks in Sarasota Dec. 5th at 4pm everyone is invited

Christy Bros. Circus 1920's #5

Ella Harris, Season 1925.

From Dave Price

Six big features: Let's see... there were Tillie, Tony, Clara and Pitt. Who are the two I'm missing?" "When the John Robinson show closed under Robinson family ownership in 1911 they retained the six elephants Tillie, Tony, Pit (Petite), Clara, Ella and Basil (male). For reasons unknown to me they spent the next four years in the Selig Zoo in California.  By 1915 they were down to the four you mention and best remembered from their days in Vaudeville as the John Robinson Military Elephants." Buckles

Davenport Songster (From Richard Flint)

Davenport songster001, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. This is a songster sold in 1874 by the singing clown John Davenport, Sr. (1836-1916), who was also a principal rider and equestrian director in his long career. His wife was Ella Hollis, daughter of Orrin Hollis, also a rider. They were the parents of John, Jr., Albert M "Stick," May, Orrin, and Louise (known as Lulu), all riders. Interestingly, John, Sr., and his family were on the Ringling show in 1889, the last year it was a wagon show. In addition to his career as a rider, son Orrin produced some of the earliest Shrine circuses continuing until his death in 1962. There is no connection between this talented set of Davenports and Ben Davenport of the 1940s Dailey Bros. The Victoria Davenport pictured Wednesday was Orrin's first wife, daughter of Victor and Adele (Hodgini) Bedini who came to this country with Barnum & Bailey after the 1898-1902 European tour. Dick Flint Baltimore

Rosaire family portrait (From Don F. Curtis)

(2), originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Circus personalities: Kay, Danielle, Clayton & Ella Rosaire (with Samson looking on). Hanneford, 2009.

Tom Mix Circus 1937 #5

TOM MIX........Featured Star John R. Agee................Equestrian Director Herman Nowlin...............Asst. Equestrian Director James Arbaugh, Jessie Arbaugh, Lillian Arbuckle, Charles Arley, Bumpsey Anthony, Eva Anthony, Bud Asher, Julia Asher, Erma Asher, Milded Asher, Arnt Augestad, Gus Bell, Betty Bell, Joe Bowers, Lilly May Brown, Roy Brown, George Carl, Danny Gordon, Helen Ford, Jimmy Davidson, Ray Goody, Max Gruber, George Hanneford, Catherine Hanneford, Kay Hanneford, George E. Hanneford Jr., Thomas Hanneford, Homer Hobson, Sr., John Hessick, Jack Knapp, "Kinko", Mary Kinko, Glen Kinko, Anita Helms, Charles LaMont, Hank Linton, Ella Linton, Joy Myers, Lulu Nowlin, Mabel Parker, Tommy Ross, Rex Rossi, Boots Sallee, Lotta Shaw, Frank Shepard, Vic Smith, Dorothy Taylor, Karin Turney, Erma Ward, Doris Warren.

Al G. Barnes 1925 blow down aftermath #3

This is one of those "Act Beautiful" numbers that Ella Bradna was famous for. The carriage carrying the "winged" horse and various other people and animals. The Collie dog seems to passing beneath the horse as they move along.