Any elephants available in Florida?

I received a call from Vinny Angiolillo who is running for public office here in Florida. He would like to hire an elephant for a day. His number is 239 450-0427.

Another big weekend for your host!

Scan000010802, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Tonight is the dress rehearsal of Dolly Bros. Circus, an event that has replaced the once socially important Ringling openings in Venice and Tampa. Tomorrow night it's an evening of Gershwin, played by the Florida Symphony Orchestra at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (compliments of Sherry Powell). And Saturday, the Installation of Officers at the the Sarasota Showfolks Club and afterward at the bar, the uninformed will be afforded the administration of wise counsel from both myself and Col. Herriott.

Sue and Rudi Lenz (From Mike Naughton)

sue + rudi 2, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Since Rudi is recovering from a hip replacement surgery, I thought you'd like to see this photo. Sue and Rudi did 12 years with RBBB center ring, then 12 years of independent dates and finally another 2 years with RBBB, again center. This brief resume is in addition to their extensive European appearances, which include: Krone, Knie, Spanish National, etc., plus Rudi's years with Bertram Mills as their chimp trainer. Few folks know that Rudi and Willy Lenz were brought over for a season on Pollack Brothers. When Rudi gets home we'll have Sue fill in the blanks and clarify any facts I might have gotten wrong. Mike Naughton

Zerbini Circus #1 (From Jimmy Hall)

DSC01720, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Buckles, Just closed in Ft. Wayne IN (Jan.24-27) 08'. There will be 20 plus photos in all. Light trusses being hung on setup day under the supervision of Chris (T.Z.'s grandson). They flew 132 new style parkans plus 16 cyber lights plus 4 575s revolving heads. The show was lit quite nice. All lighting was show owned. The Band was under the direction of Larry Solheim, a two thumbs up on the music. The show ran 2 hours and 30 minutes including a 15 minute intermission. Not all acts are in Photos. James C. Hall

Zerbini Circus #2

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Zerbini Circus #3

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Zerbini Circus #4

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Zerbini Circus #5

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Zerbini Circus #6

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Zerbini Circus #7

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Zerbini Circus #8

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Zerbini Circus #9

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Zerbini Circus #10

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Zerbini Circus #11

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Zerbini Circus #12

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Zerbini Circus #13

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Zerbini Circus #14

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Zerbini Circus #15

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Zerbini Circus #16

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Zerbini Circus #17

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Zerbini Circus #18

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Zerbini Circus #19

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Zerbini Circus #20

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Venice, Fla. Winter of 1973-74 #1

Scan000010799, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. From anonymous: I heard this story SECOND HAND, so some of the facts might be a little blurry... When Sascha Houcke came to GSOE/USA he did not receive or was not allotted enough ring time for his charges. Unruffled, he rounded up hay bales and made an ring and practiced to his heart's content in a nondescript part of the Tampa fairgrounds. Needless to say his charges were ready and polished in spite of RBBB red tape and politics. Here's the kicker: the "theater/tech folks" would stare in total disbelief that this horse trainer could/would/did get his job done WITHOUT their involvement. Circus trumps Theater every time. By the way, Sascha and family are friends of mine and my family, I'm not telling tales out of School. From Buckles: "During my first winter in Venice with the Ringling Show, Gunther had the elephant barn, Axel used his road tent and my Circus World herd (18) had to camp out under the stars near Charlie Smith's work shop. I was told right away that the show in rehearsal (Blue Show) had exclusive rights to the ring barn. This presented no problem to me. In this picture you can see the wagon we "borrowed" as well as the assortment of bull tubs and pieces of ring curb scrounged up from the junk pile so we could get things done. Years later Kenneth Feld was visiting with Paul Binder on the Big Apple lot and in my best smart-ass form I said, "You two guys should write a book entitled ALIBIS AND EXCUSES I HAVE HEARD!"

Venice, Fla. Winter of 1973-74 #2

Scan000010800, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Sue and Rudy Lenz were parked nearby and watched this whole operation and were by far the friendliest people on the lot. On the other hand, Roy Wells introduced me to Sacha Houcke a few years ago which I'm sure he doesn't remember, as he was completely underwhelmed.

H.H. Tammen and Buffalo Bill Cody

Scan000010797, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. This picture taken on the Kansas City station platform in 1913. Possibly it relates to the deal made for the Col. to be featured with the Sells-Floto Circus for the next few seasons. This would be comparable with the engagement of Tim Mix with the Floto Show fifteen years later.

Sells Floto-Buffalo Bill 1914-15 #1

Scan000010796, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Col. and Mrs. Cody along side their private railroad car.

Sells Floto-Buffalo Bill 1914-15 #2

Scan000010789, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. I never noticed until I enlarged this parade photo that Col. Cody himself is leading the Wild West contingent. You would think that he would be saved for the ticket buying public rather that displayed for free, not to mention that the Col. was now in his upper 60's.

Sells Floto-Buffalo Bill 1914-15 #3

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Sells-Floto-Buffalo Bill 1914-15 #4

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Sells-Floto-Buffalo Bill 1914-15 #5

Scan000010798, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Karl King and his Circus, Concert Band 1914.

Sells Floto-Buffalo Bill 1914-15 #6

Scan000010792, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The Floto Show enjoyed the publicity of several elephant calves born during this period but this isn't one of them. My dad wrote on the back, "Baby zebu and baby elephant in 1914, probably "Alberta".

Sells Floto-Buffalo Bill 1914-15 #7

Scan000010793, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Lucia Zora being transported in this unique chariot with "Kas" and "Mo" (Kansas and Missouri) in tandem.

Sells Floto-Buffalo Bill 1914-15 #8

Scan000010794, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. I always thought these parade trappings were outstanding. The banner on top of each elephant in this 1915 picture, gives it's name, age and weight. "Mary", "Trilby", "Floto", "Freida" and "Snyder"

Sells-Floto & Buffalo Bill 1914-15 #9

Scan000010795, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Steam Calliope played by Harry Wills on parade in Petaluma, Calif. 4/29/14.

Geography Lesson!

Ben told me that on the way home from work the other day, he spotted a man on the corner holding a sign saying "Tap City". He pulled over, handed the guy a buck and asked, "How far is it to Tap City?" and the guy answered, "Buddy you're right in the middle of it!" Ben laughed and drove on.

From Darlene Williams

vasek%20front, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Could you post information about my Cousin Vashek Scheich who passed away early Sunday morning. Vashek's Memorial Service is planned for this Thursday, January 31. Anyone wishing to send condolences to the family can do so to: Scheich Family 10230 N.W. 48th Court Coral Springs, Florida 33076 Darlene Williams

WALKUP

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REVOLVE

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Casselly's Horses & Elephants (Horses #1)

Horses.1, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Good Afternoon Mr Woodcock Here are some pictures from René, Alexia and Merry-Lu Casselly with their Elephants and Horses at the 32nd Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo in Jan.2008. They created 3 very nice acts for this edition and received a Silver Clown for this "package". The Elephants are: Manbo (25), Nanda (25), Kimba (19) and Tonga (18). Vincent Manero

Casselly's Horses & Elephants (Horses #2)

Horses.2, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Casselly's Horses & Elephants (Horses #3)

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Casselly's Horses & Elephants (La Poste #1)

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Casselly's Horses & Elephants (La Poste #2)

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Casselly's Horses & Elephants (La Poste #3)

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Casselly's Horses & Elephants (La Poste #4)

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Casselly's Horses & Elephants (Liberty #1)

Liberty.1, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Casselly's Horses & Elephants (Liberty #2)

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Casselly's Horses & Elephants (Liberty #3)

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Casselly's Horses & Elephants (Liberty #4)

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Casselly's Horses & Elephants (Practice Ring)

Outdoor.1, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Calen Cristiani (From Jim Cole)

IMG_3139, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Just got a phone call from Tino Cristiani telling me that his 18 year old son Calen did extremely well at a speed skating competition in Cleveland, OH this past weekend. Calen works in the Cristiani Bros. trampoline act along with his brother Mateo and his dad. They had just done the Saginaw, MI date, and stopped in Cleveland on the way back to FL. Calen took a sudden interest in speed skating 2 years ago, and has been training at an ice rink in Kissimmee, FL. He previously had very little experience on the ice, however his circus / gymnastics background gave him the balance and leg strength to go into this difficult sport. There is an article about him in www.Circus4Youth.org Look in FEATURES. Calen placed first in the 1000 meter race, and was well on his way to winning additional events. However a very rough ice surface caused he and many other skaters to fall. He non the less logged some very impressive speed times in his first ever competitive event. Calen Cristiani entered the race virtually unknown by his co-racers and event organizers. They sure know who that "Circus Acrobat Guy" is now! His father is hoping to attract a sponsor for Calen, perhaps within the circus community.