Buckles Blog: Circus Vargas 1983 #1 (From Eric Beheim)

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Circus Vargas 1983 #1 (From Eric Beheim)

Vargas83-1, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Attached are scans of some of the Kodachrome slides I took of Circus Vargas setting up in El Cajon, California in 1983. Back then, everybody figured that Vargas would always be a 3-ring circus with elephants, a cat act, etc. Earlier this year, they played this same lot (the Parkway Plaza Shopping Center) and the whole operation looked quite a bit different. As the old circus poem goes:

Huh! See that little show.
Ain't got no elephants.
Guess I won't go.

Eric

55 comments:

Anonymous said...: A really nice set of photos! I never got to see the "big" Circus Vargas, wish now I had.

Some circus historians point out an almost re-birth of the American circus during the 1980's. When you stop to think about it, that decade did produce alot of exciting shows and events for die-hard circus fans such as myself.; 23 October, 2007 08:46
Anonymous said...: I do not know or am aware of any re-birth of the circus at that time. Phone promoteres were making windfall profits and putting on lousy shows. They did not care if anyone would show up.

Shows like Vargas were dubbed "Holiday on blacktop".It was awful.

Irvin Feld did put on some great shows with Big Spec, wardrobe, elephant blankets, etc.

Vargas did mostly "three a day".; 23 October, 2007 09:52
Harry Kingston said...: Eric great set of Kodachromes that you will have forever.
Jimmy Cole I wished you could have photographed Vargas as it was a great circus.
Being in Texas I got to see it when it was an outdoor Miller Johnson and also Circus Vargas as Cliff poured money back in to it to make it as I called it Ringling under canvas again.
When Cliff started playing Texas it was in January. It was either cold as hell or hot and muggy.
When Circus Vargas was in town yuo knew it. Tons of posters all over the area as i know i took the engagement directors and we put them up by the thousands.
I helped Mike Gorman arrow an the telephone poles were frozen and trying to tape arrows on them.
But what a circus Cliff put on and they were always very nice to the circus fans.
Cliff called me one day and said Harry I need a favor. Ok Cliff what and I need a complete set of aluminum poles made for my tent.
Well Cliffs second set of poles were made here in Beaumont, Texas at a local machine shop.
What a master showman and I have many fond memories of Circus Vargas.
I also met Bill and Jan Biggerstaff
who are no friends for many years at Circus Vargas.
Harry; 23 October, 2007 10:31
Anonymous said...: Jimmy I am sorry and I guess I should take some of what I said back. I am getting old and got my decades mixed up.

On the "holiday on black top shows; The first day it was beautiful. On the second day the release of the "grey" water at night had an odor about it and on the third day if you parked on the downside of the elephants on concession trailer you had to carry one of those pallets in front of your trailer door and the dumpster smelled kind of rich, plus there were still two days to go and the "other" holding tank was getting restless.; 23 October, 2007 10:43
Anonymous said...: I was a kid growing up in the 80's and thats when I really got into the Circus. Compared to now, shows like Ringling and Vargas were huge, I dont know if it was a re-birth but it was probably the last time we saw really big shows with 20+ elepants and huge bigtops.

Does anyone know how the Vargas Big Top would have compared to the Ringling Bigtop back in the day--same size? Smaller? I just rember as a kid the Vargas tent looked huge.; 23 October, 2007 11:34
Buckles said...: Seems like I recall someone telling me the Vargas top was a 160 which would have made it 10' wider and longer than the Beatty Show top but neither came close to the Ringling tent. Probably the reason it was no longer around.; 23 October, 2007 12:19
Anonymous said...: Johnny, Jim Cole is right about the "re-birth of American Circus is the 1980's". In 1978, when James C. Hall, and I reached true "superstar status", and started dyeing our hair blonde, the excitement was palpatable. That wave of excitement was responsible for the re-birth, noted by Mr. Cole. If you don't believe me, ask James C. Hall. Wade Burck; 23 October, 2007 13:08
Anonymous said...: Since this is where all the Vargas comments are going… Buckles is right about the tent sizes but look at photo #7 and you’ll note the side poles are probably 2 feet taller than, say, the Beatty tent at the time. That, and the additional ten feet width will seemingly add a lot to the visual impression one gets. Age perception, too, for when I was 12 and saw my first tent show, Mills Bros., I thought the tent was HUGE. It was only a 120 with three middles!
As to resurgence in the 80s, yes, we had Vargas as a powerful show (on blacktop—nicely written description Johnny, I started to smell odors as I read it and also stepped carefully when I got up from my computer!), the advent of Big Apple, and Dory Miller prospering and carrying more elephants than ever. Beatty managed to survive so we had major shows to cover the east, the west, and the middle of the USA. But the longtime perennials such as Mills, Hunt, or Beers-Barnes were gone and these were shows that were always consistent in their size and level of performance. Replacing them in some ways were King, Sells-Gray, and Hoxie/Great American, followed later by David Rawls’ new Kelly-Miller, Vidbel, and Walker Bros., among a few others. Today, we have no big tent shows as we did in the 80s but there weren’t that many of them anyway. The 80s was the beginning of the shrinkage of the small tent show—fewer in number and more often one-ring—and the Shrine business began to have difficulties by the 90s. The number of indoor producers and the numbers of dates has surely changed. Remember Dobritch, Hubert Castle, Howard Suesz, Bill Kay, M&M, Tom Packs, Eddie Zachinni, Polack, Wallenda, and Rudy Jacobi, only a few of which continue under different names today and are joined by Hanneford and Carden (and what of their future?). Yet, there are more and better buildings to which Ringling has responded. But problems, yes, and more than ever whether caused by the producer or the regulatory agencies (who react to problems with more regulations). Remember Toby Tyler? Great performance but…
It's a tough business and many show kids have other ambitions for when they grow up. But even without Clown College today, there are always kids wanting to try the circus business and there never were any circus camps when I was a kid but now...!
Dick Flint
Baltimore; 23 October, 2007 14:00
Anonymous said...: After I sent my lengthy commentary, the page of comments popped up and I saw Wade Burck's comments. The "blond" comments reminded me that what certainly helped create any sense of resurgence was GUNTHER. He was a superstar and the public at large once again connected with CIRCUS as they do every couple of generations. I hope we all live long enough...
Dick Flint; 23 October, 2007 14:08
Casey McCoy Cainan said...: Hey Wade,, Could you dye your hair blonde again, a re-birth would be very useful rite about now. It will probably work, Mr Halls bear act is still great, and, the cat act you have now is good enough. We would all be thankful for the effort...; 23 October, 2007 15:39
Anonymous said...: r. Flint, I'm glad you got the point, in a jestful manner. If there was a re-birth, an/or new found excitement, I believe it started with the arrival of GGW on our American shores. And yes there were a number of individual's/act's, like Charley Bauman, Farfan's, Gaona's, Lentz, Woodcock's etc. etc. who kept it going "full steam ahead", as long as they could. Wade Burck; 23 October, 2007 15:52
Harry Kingston said...: Circus Vargas side poles:
When the machine shop in Beaumont, Texas made Circus Vargas an all new complete set of poles and the pole they used to copy the new ones is exactly in length 12 feet 8 3/4 long. From end of pole to top of the pole pin.
From end of pole to top of the pole is 12 feet 1/2 inch not counting teh pole pin.
This pole is one of my treaures from Circus Vargas.
The center poles were shortened by 2 feet as I have the cut off section of the center pole also.
Harry; 23 October, 2007 16:14
Anonymous said...: All I have to say it I get the feeling Johnny is not impressed with the Vargas show, however the Felds obviously were as they hung wait paper. A two page spread That I have in my possession. I will give that a two thumbs up as a great compliment to Mr.C.Vargas.
P.S. Hate to disappoint Mr Herriot but the fact remains, a couple of seasons there the Vargas show specs and production number's wardrobe would not have taken a back seat to RBBB and I don't mean the crap you have seen since Mattel has been out of the picture. Oh, I might add that I never worked on the Vargas show but I sure was in awe for a couple of seasons there visiting.; 23 October, 2007 21:14
Anonymous said...: The first Vargas tent was made by O'Henry, it was 160' x 310'. The following tents were built by Leaf of Sarasota, until the Canobbio seen in these photos. They were 150' x 300'. In Commerce, CA in 1980 we added another middle making it 150' x 350', with 5 center poles, and 4 rings. Mr. V filled it to capacity. Harry is right on the mark about the 12' side poles. The O'Henry big top side poles were higher, but cut down sometime latter, and the sidewall was shortened. I have added more comments under some of the other photos to give a bit more insight.
Erik Jaeger; 23 October, 2007 22:22
Anonymous said...: As a self appointed advocate for blonde hair coloring, I support the use of Nice 'n Easy Color 99 for the circus ring. It's very bright and covers the gray (when necessary).

I have used it for 35 years, and can atest to the fakt thet th kemikuls usd en thes produk due nut efeckt brein funkshun. :-); 24 October, 2007 00:36
Anonymous said...: "The American circus experienced a renaissance in the 1980's"...a quote by circus historian Fred Pfening on the back cover of the book, "Step Right Up".

The art of flying trapeze may well have been in it's hey day during the 1980's with a handful of flyers having completed the quad, most notably Miguel Vasquez.

There were 3 or 4 large tent shows on the road with sizeable elephant herds, and an assortment of smaller shows. It was also the formative years of what I call "New Age Circus".

And yes, Wade And Jimmy's blond hair only added to the excitement!; 24 October, 2007 08:46
Harry Kingston said...: To Erick Jaeger,
Thank you for sharing all the Circus Vargas info with us as that is what makes this blog the best.
You were there and took notes and no guess work.
So the large Vargas tent was the California Orange one from O'Henry right.
So you were the one that picked up the new tent poles in Louisiana so Mr. V could save on the state tax here in Texas.
I knew Dick Ames of ames machine works for many years. He was a genius and i remember on the poles he made a bottom part that when the pole was worn down you just replace that part and not the hole pole.
I went buy Ames all the time checking on the progress on the poles. Damn fool me when they shortened the center poles by 2 feet there were all 4 of the pole parts and I could have had them all but at least I was smart enought to get one for my circus collection.
Thanks for all the great info on Americas bigtop Giant.
What a great circus it was.
Folks mentioned alot of the acts and you all left out a great one Pat Anthony. I got to know Pat real well and Pat let me right next to the cage and i filmed it from start to finish in 16mm color
and sound. What a hell of a great show it was guns blazing and whips a cracking and a live band with real circus music and no cats christined me thank goodness.
Yes great days of the Circus.
Harry Kingston
Beaumont, Texas; 24 October, 2007 08:54
Casey McCoy Cainan said...: Thank You Ms. White,
That will be handy in the very near future, as what I have that isn't falling out, is quickly turning white. I was looking for a safe alternative to a wig.; 24 October, 2007 09:02
Anonymous said...: No cookhouse for working men, no ducat books, no timekeeper, center poles were raised one at a time. no animal tents. all elephants and ring stock were picketed outside with no shelter. no front yard or backyard. animals were picketed on midway. no sleepers. Vargas parked his living accomodations next to back door curtain [wherever it might be] long ways. Many times performers had to cross the midway in costume during the come in to find the back door curtain. Many times back door curtain was right beside the light plant. Spec wardrobe was not ready for a month after we opened. House trailers were parked so tight together that some could not open the windows. No lights for traiulers if road disect6ed the lot. No awnings or lawn chairs allowed and no parties or barbeques allowed. No electric during the show. Three shows in Napa, Calif. on Easter Sunday to about 100 people each show. Parking on the lot after a jump at three in the morning by rngmstr. in boots and breeches bringing each unit one by one on the lot. No definitive parking designations. Show was loaded with "stool pigeons". Vargas only knew the "F" word and it was the general term for communication on the lot and when he went on one of his rampages you could hear him with that and other similar wards all over the lot. I was happy doing the one nighters on Beatty the following year. Incidentally I blew in northern Calf. after six months. and most important there was never a designated "payday" or time and frquently I would get half pay and then "catch and can" Eventually I got paid but it was always troubling. I will take a polograph in regard to the aforementioned. Oh yes I would take my grooms on every set up and lace the thin stair tread rubber in all three rings. so that it wouldn't curl up under the horses and they would fall down.Prior to that the elephant guy, Cochise, was pretty clever at jumping in the ring while the horses were running a trying to straighten it out. On set up day they would start early to put p the tent and no matinee, however before 7 PM. Vargas would come to me and Rex and ask us to bring our guys in to help finish putting up the seats. Beatty put up a long side and short side of bibles and chairs on a daily basis with 2 0r 4 matinees.So this is just some of my experiences with Circus Vargas.; 24 October, 2007 09:09
Anonymous said...: Harry, you are right about Pat Anthony. In an earlier poste, I mentioned that I was brought on the Vargas show, in 1984, to make the first 4 week's of the season, as Pat had prior commitments. When he came to the show, as I was closing, I was so excited to meet him, and he was so kind and gracious to this young first of may from North Dakota. Affter my load up, Pat invited me to get a sandwich at the mall on the lot, before I left. He spotted a pay phone, as we were walking through the mall, and said he needed to call his wife, and find out how his mother, who was gravely ill in the hospital was doing. As he was talking to his wife, he started sobbing, and fell to the floor. That's when he found out that his mother had just died. It moved me greatly to see a man who was so tough and full of bravado, be so sensitive. He loved his mother greatly. I think you could do one date with Pat Anthony, and have a year's worth of antedote's and stories. He was special. Wade Burck; 24 October, 2007 10:10
Anonymous said...: Col. Herriott, you are pretty accurate about Circus Vargas. When I was there in 1981, Mr. V decided to expand his route, and travel up to Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, etc., all well know hot bed's of circus lovers.Many a night, I had to wait until 3:00Am, until the the tent was down, and rolled up, to have Rex and the elephants, come pull the cages's out of the mud, and up to the semi, which was always parked on high ground, as it was usually raining when we arrived, and there was power up there to unload. Hawthorn's "pig iron" cages which weighed 800 lb's empty, were loaded with two tigers each.(we could do that back then). Because the bearing's were shot in the wheel's because of the weight, John Cuneo, in his infinite wisdom, (plus he didn't have to push them)decided to fill the 2inch wide wheel's with foam and make them solid. By the end of each date, the cages were sunk to the floor. Add to that, my white tiger Tony, eating every prop man he could get his greedy paw's on, and it was not Shangriala. We arrived in Bellevider, Ill. 52 miles from our winter quarter's 9 months later, and that's when I bolted, after deciding that coliseum's and building's weren't that bad. Dr. Marcan who was at our guarter's at the time was sent over there to replace me, and I believe he made 1 week. When Circus Vargas was "on", it was one of the most beautiful show's of all time. When it was "off", it was a hell that was unimaginable. Wade Burck; 24 October, 2007 10:35
Harry Kingston said...: Wade Burk,
I know what you are talking about on Pat Anthony.
I also got to know Pat though the years and what a swell person he was to me. What a show he put on and to me being young and seeing Clyde Beatty and then seeing Pat they both had great fightening acts.
Pat told me many years ago a news man got to close to the cage and scared the cats and they to ahve got him.
But knowing Pat and with his permission he let me right by the cage so I could film him and after wards he told me Harry I really put on a show for you.
I helped him get meat for teh cats here in town and got him on local tv to help out the show.
His black cage boy got after me for getting to close to the cats and Pat told him Harry can go any where he wants to so lay off him.
I really cried when i found out late in life he was washing dishes in Tampa a big star like him.
A great showman to me.
Any one remember when Vargas had two cat acts, Harry Thomas with tigers and Pat anthony with a mixed act.
Now folks that is circus.
When Beatty Cole put up the big top it was ready by 10 or 11 am and Vargas i do not think they ever could have a 4:30.
Harry; 24 October, 2007 11:13
Anonymous said...: In regards to the polygraph tests?
I am sure glad there hasn't been any other shows like that.
The years I saw the show there was a menagerie top. As a matter of fact Rex that would have been the boss Elephant man. (That's so I don't get accused of being misinformed again).
I got a call from Rex. He said they had there animal tent tore up and he heard I was dealing for a tent that was a 60/120. Rex and Hog Jaw and several crew members showed up at my door the next morning and we went and picked up the top and they headed back to the Oil Palace in Tyler Tx.
I'm sure that there are many of stories to be told about the Vargas show and am sure glad that there aren't any other shows with any of those liabilities."Said the one First of May to the other".
P.S.That darned Vargas show sounds like it was worst than a Vietnamese refugee camp?; 24 October, 2007 11:49
Anonymous said...: When was Varas's last season with 3 rings under the large Big Top? Why did they go under?; 24 October, 2007 11:51
Anonymous said...: You're welcome, Casey. It's a good color, I swear by it and have it shipped to far away places when I'm not in the country!

After reading these Vargas stories, I'm awfully glad I said "No thank you, Mr. Vargas" when he offered me a job in the early '80's in Sante Fe, New Mexico. He did buy me a nice lunch, though. I was happy to stay with Carson & Barnes throughout the '80's. Mr. Miller didn't pay much, but he paid every Sunday, you could depend on it. That was a pretty big tent too, 380 x 120 with 8 center poles. I think that's right. Anyway, it was huge.

I first met Pat Anthony in the late '70's at his place in Riverview, FL. We had a nice visit, I wanted to talk about the cats, but he was more interested in telling me all about his parrot, Murphy! We met again in 1980 in Canada, spening the season on a small tent show, he had his cats (what was left of his act) and we were there with Gee Gee's elephants. Pat was very ill, but always kind and generous with his time and knowledge concerning the cats. I picked his brain relentlessly.

1980 was a season of great learning. I had Pat to answer my cat questions, and Gee Gee to teach me about showmanship, liberty acts, and elephants- and I have continued to keep and use the nuggets of wisdom they gave me for decades.; 24 October, 2007 16:13
Anonymous said...: To mr. Kingston. I believe you are confused as to Pat's cage man being black and would suggest if you got to close to the cage during the act that Bill Johnston would have grabbed you by the ass and thru you out of the way. No questions asked.; 24 October, 2007 16:25
Anonymous said...: Speaking of nuggets of wisdom, Jimmy mentioned Rex Williams. I didn't know him well, and he was a very old man when I met him at Hawthorn. But I was pleased to meet this circus legend. One day we were sitting in the barn talking about elephants.

Well into the conversation, Rex paused and said "Pat, have you ever learned what to do when an elephant runs?" I leaned forward in my chair, certain he was about to impart a long held secret to me. "No Rex; I haven't. What do you do when an elephant runs?"

"Wave goodbye!" he said, then laughed himself silly.; 24 October, 2007 16:27
Anonymous said...: Buckles was wize to conclude the comments on Circus Vargas and comparison to the GSOE. Ringling rehearses every new show for three to four weeks; lighting, choregraphics, run throughs, etc. Vargas would wing it and hope it might shape up. There is no comparison between the two and I am sure that putting up "wait paper" did not distinguish the quality of the shows. Ringling in its history never allowed "grift" and if they put up "wait paper" I would side with them. Yes its been the GSOE for over a century and there are alot of emprisarios in potters field that tried to bury it. I hate the latest foremat and hope that clear heads will prevail, but in cross country America I don't believe that Cirqe Soliel will prevail; 24 October, 2007 16:40
Buckles said...: On the subject of the GSOE, I learned recently that this year's appearance of the Blue Show in Mexico City was canceled after the Mexican sponsors saw the show.; 24 October, 2007 17:38
Harry Kingston said...: To Mr. John Herriot,
As I remember it was a black helper cleaning the cages etc not Pats, right hand man.
I was right by the cage filming the whole act with Pat's permission as Pat told them where i should get and his cage boy helped me find the spot and he is my film in the back ground.
It was in Houston, Texas at Memorial city Mall with Mike Gorman announcing.
And nobody flinged me on my ass I can assure you because it was all cleared ahead of time. I just did not get up close to the cage and start filing with asking Pat.
And I am not the one that sticks my hand in a cat cage either.
My mother did not raise a fool.
Pat Anthony was a long time circus friend from the Miller Johnson days. He was the one that told me about the news man that scared the cats and almost get him in trouble.
Harry Kingston; 24 October, 2007 18:03
24-HOUR-MAN said...: All I have to say about the Vargas Show is our own personal experience, the first year we did 44 weeks & less than 15,000 miles, the second year 45 weeks & again less than 15,000 miles.
The show we were on before that we worked 99 days, & I lost track of the miles. I admit blowing the show after El Paso, I wasn't about to drive to Utica NY for two days, then to Calif. to join Vargas.; 24 October, 2007 19:28
Anonymous said...: Comparing the Vargas show to RBBB not RBBB to Vargas; I was told that the Vargas show became more popular in the state of Ca. than RBBB and after a few years I found it to be true. What a following. Comparing Clifford as a one man band the; damn fool made all the other tented shows get their paint out and get to work.
To Jimmy Cole: I also wish you had gotten the opportunity to shutter bug that show's wardrobe. It gets a two thumbs up from me.I was unfortunately booked when I was offered two different seasons on Vargas. The times I was open, they already had one hell of a bear act display. Some I guess are unaware of the main reason of the show's decline was due to the illness and untimely death of what turned out to be the "one man band show". I due recall it's grandeur and will for ever be grateful for having the opportunity of seeing this show during it's finest hour.
P.S.Call him nuts, call him crazy but, "What a hell of a show and the rebirth of one hell of a showman "Mr.Clifford Vargas".; 24 October, 2007 20:26
Anonymous said...: After having worked in the Circus business for 27 years (A newcomer)...and seeing RBBB, CBCB, Hoxie, K-M, and lesser shows, Having worked on many small tent shows on up to the Air conditioned Circo Mundial and Vargas when Roland Kaiser had it..Without a shawdow of a doubt..I would have to say....that after I saw the Vargas show at the Hollywood Bowl in '83.(Cliff era)...It was the FINEST Tent show I have ever seen in my short lived 46 years....However, what impressed me the most was damn near every Milk carton a kid used to pour milk on his cereal in southern California...Had Vargas's L.A. route printed on one WHOLE side....Cliff Vargas in my opinion "Cleaned" up a slacking business....So, much so, that RRRB, Carson and Barnes, and other shows were forced to take notice....If you asked a Kid in So. Cal to Name a circus...They always replied "Vargas" instead of RBBB....Once again, In my opinion...Vargas did more to "Revitalise" the Circus than any other Show owner I have ever met.........Jim Zajicek (Curator of the Unusual)P.S. In regards to "Wait paper" RBBB was well aware of who their BIGGEST competitor was, the one and only "Clifford Vargas"; 24 October, 2007 23:24
Anonymous said...: No GRIFT on the Ringling Show?? Correct me if I'm wrong...I recall seeing the General Mgr. on the GSOE "Brad" punch and throw a "Flat store operator" through his "Joint"....Even a First-O-May like me knows what a stupid move that was!! I mean how could a seasoned vet like "Brad" not know the "Flatty" 2-3 weeks later would DERAIL the train!!.....Jim Zajicek (Curator of the Unusual) P.S. Angel...Angel....AAAAANNGELLLLL!!!!! P.S.S. Pat W. will "Nice 'N Easy 99" turn my 2-headed squirrel into a Albino?; 25 October, 2007 00:04
Anonymous said...: No.; 25 October, 2007 06:55
Anonymous said...: 1981, 82 and 83-- those were my years on Circus Vargas-- America's Big Top Giant . . . What a bunch of memories!

My brother came to visit, and after listening to me complain about the laundry list of inequities, and at the same time praise the daylights out of the preformance, he asked "what's the deal?"

To which I replied "it's like the old saying--the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts . . ."; 25 October, 2007 07:00
Anonymous said...: To Harry Kingston,

I too was given permission by Pat Anthony to do close up through the bars photos of his act. I have also done close up photos of numerous other acts, many of which have been used for publicity.

Like you Harry, I always got full permission from the trainer. Often they would caution me to step back from the arena during certain portions of the act when the cats were on the floor or between tricks.

Every once in a while, someone on the show was unaware of the permission that was granted, and they asked me to step away. That show employee usually caught hell from the trainer, who was looking forward to getting some good photos. But I usually photographed an act several different times, so I always got what the trainer wanted.

Jimmy Cole

PS Harry, can I possibly get a DVD copy of that Pat Anthony film?; 25 October, 2007 07:55
Anonymous said...: I first met Mr."V" in 1979 in Madison Square Garden, he was visiting the Ringling show when he offered me a contract for the '80 season. Ted Polke and myself decided to accept with a ensemble cast encluding brother David Polke, and five of Mr Felds most beautiful showgirls, captin Dione Arata, Vanessa Thomas, Darlene Dicker Williams, Tracy Mayo Burke,and Pam Hellet,to begin what became one of biggest influence to the production value of Circus Vargas as it became known.
Cliff had a vision, and followed it. He hired the best acts, and expected the best from them. He was tough on the promotors, becuse he was one. He asked me to stage and design his first aerial ballet, "Look For A Star" and choregraphed beautifully by ex Ringling captin Dione Arata.The Vargetts were born. Ted and brother David went immediatly with Rex Williams to present the first three ring elephant display on horseback, a trademark of legendary Rex Williams.
This went on to open a door for other ex Rinling girls, clowns, promotors, acts, and even concession people..Roland Keiser.
I think Cliff Vargas can be summed up with a quote from one of the greatest circus directors ever, Richard Barstow,who said to a group of his clown friends on his exit from being fired from Ringling in 1977. "They have my recipe, but don't know how to bake the cake !"; 25 October, 2007 10:13
Anonymous said...: On the subject of tented shows, I took my kids to see this years Carson and Barnes that came through Bourbonnais, IL. (The last tented show I had seen was Vargas as a kid. )The last few years we have taken our kids to RBBB (after taking out a 2nd mortg on our house!). We got up early and went to see them raise the "big top", that was really something else; there must have been 100's of people out there watching. It was almost like taking a step back in time! Later that night, when we entered the Big Top, my kids were in awe, only a day ago this was an empty field across from Sears. There is truly something magical about a Big Top being raised and turning an ordinary field into something so different, then disappearing the next day. (And I should mention too that the show we went to was completely packed; they had erect more bleachers and dismantle most of rings 1 and 3 for extra seating. Best of all, cotton candy was like $4!!! .We're getting ready to go to the Red show in a few weeks in Chicago, I'll have to be making a withdrawal from my 401K for the $15 Cotton Candy and $10 snow cones!
PS
"Circus Celebrity" seats--$120 a piece, for 4 with all the extras and gas that would easily be a $600 day!!! That’s why we got opening night, $10 seats!

PSS
Any one know how big the current Carson and Barnes tent is?? It seemed kinda small?; 25 October, 2007 10:14
Harry Kingston said...: To Jimmy Cole,
It would be my great honor to share with a copy of it, you being the C. B. DeMille and George Eastman of the photo world.
Your photos bar none are the best there is to be seen of the circus the way it was.
I tried capturing what was left of it on 16mm film and video. I worked at a TV station and ran the color processor. So my home circus movies cost me zero. So I started shooting it all. i probably have over 200,000 feet of film plus.
Had alot of fun with it and many memories.
Plus all the circuses this way we put them on tv and got the best stories out of it and got the circus alot of advertising for free.
Circus Vargas was on every day there were here. As i fan i helped in any way I could.
Not bragging but Cliff Vargas on opening nite with a over flow crowd called me out in center ring and gave me a plaque for all the help. Also was invited to go eat with the higher ups and Mr. V was in his mens full length mink coat
and what a show it was in town.
Bill Biggerstaff was on the front door who now is a very dear circus friend with a tackle box full of money.
In it's day Vargas was the best circus. In a class by it's self.
The real circus music they had and even when they went to tapes it was still the best with Jerry Braa runing it.
By the way Roland Kiaser gave me one of the tape recorders used by Vargas woth a large roll of the music they used for my collection and Jerry Braa autographed it for me.
I also met for the first time on Circus Vargas the great circus blog man himself Buckles Woodcock in Houston, Texas, at Memorial city mall. He probably want remember it but I sure did, the great man himself and we talked circus.
Harry Kingston; 25 October, 2007 10:28
Buckles said...: I'm embarrassed to say that I don't remember the introduction but I do recall it was 1972 and the lot was a horse arena.
This might also have been the place where Cliff threw a party for all the performers at a nearby club.
He and Barbara were the hottest couple on the dance floor. Cliff was wearing a pair of jeans that sported a fly that zipped at a 45 degree angle as opposed to being vertical like everyone else in the world.
Barbara thought they were the neatest thing she ever saw. Later in the evening Cliff came to our table with a package and said, "Here you can have them!'
Barbara says she still has them packed away some where.; 25 October, 2007 10:51
Anonymous said...: Anonomyous, Boy did you bring back a flood of memories. That was a beautiful, talented bunch of people that Mr. Vargos hired from Ringling. Dale lonmeire, Bruce, Billy, etc. were great clowns. The Vargetts were in a clase alone. Almost as famous as Playboy Bunnies. You mention Tracy Mayo Burke. Although I would have been proud to call her my wife, we were never married. We were together for 4 great years, and she returned to Ringling when I was contracted there in 1984. A harder working, more dedicated individual won't be found. In addition to cooking, cleaning, and helping with the rearing of my 2 young son's, (and looking after me, which is no easy task), she was a dancer on the show. Additionally, between show's she practiced a ring act, which, without fear of contradiction would have rivaled Dolly's. She later went to Yale University, where she got a degree in Archeology. Wade Burck; 25 October, 2007 11:27
Anonymous said...: Curator, I'm a little offended that you would go all the way to Japan for your beauty tips, when there are two "world class expert's" in that field, just a phone call away here in America. Limit inquiries to Japan to Henry information. Wade Burck; 25 October, 2007 11:31
Anonymous said...: P.S. Anonomous, Yes, the three ring display of elephant's with all presenter's mounted was one of a kind. From the Vargetts, charging in, dressed as cowgirls, to the T-mount with Joe standing in the president's box. And let's not forget the 3 rings of Samoyed dog's. Wade Burck wburck3@aol.com; 25 October, 2007 11:38
Anonymous said...: Ward Hall, who had many dealings with Cliff Vargas both with the side show when it was first over there and as a needed "investor" for a brief period, aptly describes those intense, unrestrained emotional rages as "Vargasms!" Creative leaders often engender such contradictory opinions as we've read this week. Strength in one area seems to be counter-balanced by a big lack in another.
I've thoroughly enjoyed the many comments under this photo, perhaps some of the most revealing about life on the road that we've read in a long time. Even fans who tag along for a week or two vacation in their campers don't quite begin to experience all those little nuances you get when you are an employee. Thanks to all! It's been like having a few beers together after the last show is over.
Dick Flint
Baltimore; 25 October, 2007 12:16
Harry Kingston said...: I wish we could get Bill Biggerstaff on this blog as he has some great Vargas stories.
One about the the white horse that came out in the cloud of smoke wound up in a dumpster.
Yes buckles the horse arena you all played was Pin oak stables in Houston.
Vargas sure treated us fan greatly as i always got the Presidents box when I visited.
Many great memories of a great circus.
Harry; 25 October, 2007 12:23
Anonymous said...: My oh my; Oh joy oh bliss, the art of the showman's combatting their wit; The pro's and con's. Why is it I get the feeling this started from the inspiration of a child's Christmas favorite, "The Whos from Whoville verses the Grinch that stole Christmas.
P.S.
Quoting Walter patterson:
"Don't you just love it, you gotta love it!"; 25 October, 2007 14:54
Harry Kingston said...: Another comment for Cliff Vargas:
Something I will never forget till the day I am gone is me and my mother went to see Vargas in Oct of 1080.
My mother had termial cancer and did not have long to live and it was a cold October day here in Texas.
Cliff saw us on the midway and escorted in the tent to the presidents box and we were the only ones in there. He brought us something to drink and popcorn.
Now that is circus to me and when I got married here came a wedding gift from Cliff.
With all his faults he was a real showman to me.
Yes, Dick Flint it is setting around a fire drinking beer and telling all those B S stories.
This is the greatest series on the blog yet and don't you just love it.
Harry
By the way who had the largest circus tent on record and the measurements, Ringlings, 600 by 200 footer???????????; 25 October, 2007 15:42
Anonymous said...: Wells Hawks, a circus and theatrical press agent at the turn of the last century and the man who popularized Mary Pickford as "America's Sweetheart," wrote a delightful little book published here in Baltimore in 1904 titled "Red Wagon Stories or Tales Told Under the Tent." It begins: "Between the shows there were seven of the circus outfit who would sit around the ring bank and on the carpet pad just to talk. Here are some of the tales told under the big round top when the tent was empty."
This blog must be the second edition of that wonderful little book!
Dick Flint; 25 October, 2007 16:47
Anonymous said...: Mr. Burck....I was merely trying to "replicate"...Irvin, Tommy,and DR in having a "Blond Star" to line my pockets....However since being informed Nice & Easy #99 will not work on my 2-headed squirrel...I am now taking the Cliff Vargas approach of being "Innovative"...Perhaps someone could help me find "Wings" for my mini-horse.......Jim Zajicek (The Curator); 25 October, 2007 23:41
Anonymous said...: I remember "General Vargas," the white horse with wings. He would come in with fog all over the ring, like he was performing on a cloud. It was sometimes quite impressive. At the end of the act the prop guys would bring in this ornate looking couch/sofa kind of thing and the general was supposed to back up and sit in it. Probably half the time he crapped in it instead . . .; 26 October, 2007 06:39
Anonymous said...: Whats the record for most comments on a single post ? This one looks like a winner-BJ; 26 October, 2007 11:28
Anonymous said...: OK, Buckles, let's make it 53 comments under this photo. Do I hear 54, going once...

I've written a story about Cliff Vargas for Bandwagon, which will be published early next year, featuring jackpots by Bill Biggerstaff, Ward Hall, Junior Ruffin, Johnny Peers and King Charles Weathersby.

One of my personal favorites concerns the time in 1975 when Cliff handed Junior several boxes to stash in the back of Junior's truck cab on the lot at Tacoma, Washington. Some six weeks later, as Junior bedded down for the night in his bunk at a shopping mall in Denver, the boxes fell on him. He opened them to discover $80,000 in cash--banded in thousand-dollar bundles.

The next morning Junior interrupted a meeting in Vargas' trailer.

"Come on in, Junior," Vargas said. "What's up?"

"Cliff, do you remember the boxes you gave me to keep a while back?"

"What boxes?" Vargas responded.

Ruffin said his boss had totally forgotten about giving the money to him for safekeeping. He said Vargas was low on operating funds and was getting ready to tap one of his financiers in Chicago,
for a loan.

Lane Talburt; 26 October, 2007 12:56
Anonymous said...: OK Lane, one more story. This one involving D R Miller.

J Goodall said.... I may have told this story before. Carson & Barnes and Circus Vargas were both playing dates in the Chicago suburbs. D R' big top was in the air and he said "take me over to see Cliff's show". We drove about 20 minutes and arriving on the lot where the big top was on the ground, D R said was "Oh my God, they will be lucky to make tomorrow's matinee. D R said lets get out of here".

The following day D R and I went back to Cliff's show just before the matinee. D R wanted to keep a low profile but was spotted by Cliff who proceeded to lead us into the big top. D R stopped inside the door and began to count the rows in the bleachers. Cliff spun around, not looking too happy that D R was counting the house and led us to the President's box. At intermission, D R said "take me back to the lot. I've seen enough." I am sure Cliff had no idea where we had gone.; 26 October, 2007 13:49
Harry Kingston said...: Talking about Circus Vargas and Carson and Barnes real close to each other.
We had the great circus war here in Texas when Vargas and Beatty Cole were almost on top of each other.
Cliff changed the Beaumont, Texas and came in here 5 weeks early. Beatty played Nederland, Texas which is between Beaumont and Port Arthur,the same time as our fair and Harry Hammond told me they did not even make the media money.
They both played Galveston, Texas and one show played it for 3 days and as that show was leaving the other was coming in on I-45 to play it for another 2 days. So 2 different circus played there 5 days straight.
Beatty played towns we never heard of and even Paris, Texas.
Dave Hoover told me Cliff was so scared that some one was guarding his tent so it would not get sabotaged.
I tried to get our tv station to do a story about it but you know how that goes as every one is not nuts about the circus like i am.
The great war here in texas with the 2 circus giants Beatty Cole vs Circus Vargas. Who was the winner who knows.
Harry; 26 October, 2007 16:13

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Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Circus Vargas 1983 #1 (From Eric Beheim)

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