Friday, August 04, 2006

Rowe Bros. Circus 1940 #5


Fred and Betty Bancroft "The Shooting Stars".
Sharp Shooting and Knife Throwing artists. It's been many years since I've seen any of these type acts.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think Jerry Pressley said her son Chee Chee did this type of act in Los Vegas years ago.

Anonymous said...

We bought a dog act from Tama Frank many years ago. He did his best to sell my husband a knfe act w/ the wheel and all. I don't remember the exact words, but
NOT A CHANCE IN HELL rings a bell.cc

Dorothy, Jr. said...

Tama Frank was my grandfather. I met him only twice, therefore I only know him through my mother's stories. My mother performed with him until her late teens.(She reponded in similar fashion as Anon.'s husband when Tama asked her to stand on the spinning knife wheel!) I am very interested in any information about Tama Frank and about Tama Frank, Jr. who also performed with my grandfather. I am sooo happy I found this Blog!!!!

good granny said...

If anyone knows Betty's malden or former names, the Bancroft family would appreciate the information. thank you.

Leviticus Jackson said...

She was my Dad's sister, Betty. She was from Ashtabula Ohio.

good granny said...

Betty's maiden name was Elizabeth Jane Wrisley.She had three married names, Hudson, Housel, and Bancroft.

Unknown said...

Betty was born Elizabeth Jane Wisley in 1902.
She had married names of Housel, Hudson, and Bancroft after she married Fred Ford Bancroft (1885-1963).

She performed as Buckskin Betty with Colorado Fred as the "Shooting Stars", and eventually she went on to become a sword swallower with Ringling Brothers in 1953 and 1954. She died in 1985.

If you are related to her or have any photos or more information, please contact me as I am constantly looking for more information on her.

You can read her full bio at the Sword Swallower's Hall of Fame at:


http://www.swordswallow.com/halloffame.php#BettyBancroft


Thanks!

Dan Meyer
Dan@swordswallow.com
Historical Researcher
Sword Swallowers Association International

www.swordswallow.com