Monday, July 30, 2007

For Dave and Roger


Scan10139, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

I almost let this one slip away!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

In the background, to the left of the lady and the elephant, would the man in white getting ready to enter the tent be Clyde Beatty?
---toddp

Harry Kingston said...

I am no expert but it sure looks like the one the only, clyde Beatty to me.
In white jodpurs, gun belt and curly hair and short stature.
Harry

GaryHill said...

Very impressive lady if Barbara holds her in such high esteem! Well tomorrow I will be in Dallas spending the day with the Farrier that flys in to shoe and trim the Blue Show horses, that is if they let me in the gate? He is going to call me tonight and tell me if I got proper clearance? Hope to at least spent some time visiting with Sonny.

Anonymous said...

Harry,
Look at the flag in the later picture that says Clyde Beatty on the tent. I think you are right, it certainly looks like Clyde.
Yes I also miss cutting up jackpots with you, Maybe when I finally get to retire we will come do9wn to see you.

Anonymous said...

Who besides Clyde Beatty would be wearing jodphurs without high boots ?

Harry Kingston said...

Hi Bob,
Yes I miss those great times talking circus with a pro like you.
Yes, you are welcome and as we say down South, pack a sack lunch and stay all day.
I sure wish I could have seen that great Cole Bros-Clyde Beatty Circus back then and what a great circus it must have been.
Would love to have taken Clyde Beatty fishing.
Harry

Anonymous said...

I am quite certain that Beatty did not wear Jodphurs in those days. He wore boots and britches. The other came later.

Harry Kingston said...

Unohoo,
I am no expert like Dave Price on Beatty but the photo in question is either 1935, 1936 or 1937 and probably the later two.
I Have my issue of the Bangwagon July-Aug. 1965 and on page 5 there is Beatty in 1934 for Ringling in Jodphurs, page 6 in 1932 also, and on page 7 also probably taken in 1947 in L a. and page 8 in 1937 on Cole Bros. and on Beatty Cole in the early 1960's also wearing them.
I do not call pants that stick out on the sides britches.
Alright Dave put your two cents worth in.
Harry

Anonymous said...

Yes, this is Mr. Beatty. Photo history seems to tell us he abandoned high boots in circa 1939, in favor of full-length jodphurs, with flared sides, and the sharp crease down the front as he insisted. With these, he wore chukkas, or ankle-high boots, which he ordered special-made out of San Antonio. A photo dated 1940 has him back in high boots, but subsequent shots depict the long pants over the chukkas, which he wore when I was with him. I'd follow him into his Airstream, and tug off the very tight boots, and start his trousers down over his calves--this because by then bending for this chore had become painful for him. He took it from there after the matinees, and I returned to the cageline to help George Scott feed. After the act at night, I assisted him with the boots and trousers, and immediately departed to tear down the tunnel.

Anonymous said...

On second glance, I have to wonder where in the Big Top this is--since there is Mr. Beatty, dressed and ready, but at some location other than the Back Door, as we don't see the cat tunnel.