Tuesday, September 11, 2007

John Robinson Circus #1


Scan000010122, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

An often seen picture taken around the turn of the century when the Robinson family still owned the show.
The lead elephant is "Tillie" and the trainer on horseback is Tim Buckley.
I don't envy Mr. Buckley or even "Tillie" for that matter, having to listen to a flageloet solo every day.

Posted by Buckles at 9/11/2007 06:33:00 AM

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

The John Robinson show had an entire Oriental ensemble on the back of an elephant in 1902, including a bass drummer. The J. E. Henry show also mounted a band on the back of an elephant as did Purdy, Welch, Macomber & Co. in 1837.

11 September, 2007 09:35
Anonymous said...

Yes, I find this interesting as I did the picture of the band on the elephant's back. Elephants don't like most circus band's. Merle would definitely have told you that.

In Richmond, VA, the band use to sit right on the floor next to the performers entrance. I once watched a Ringling elephant get close to the bandstand and purposely step on a trombone players case. Just left toothpicks on the floor! Another time one stopped, put her back to the band and let loose!

So I'm quite sure this was not the elephant's favorite rider!

Carl

11 September, 2007 10:17
Anonymous said...

Can't miss the ads that Floyd King
put in the Billboard wanting a jig band and a flagolet player for side show.

11 September, 2007 20:17

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