Tuesday, May 26, 2009

More on the 1970 Milwaukee Parade!


Scan000010802, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

The Woodcock family just arriving at the arena back door for a visit.
John Herriott, seen in the background, was amused at the sight of me carrying a diaper bag.
He took us inside to the animal area and the McMillan brothers showed us around, also introduced us to Gunther in passing but he was on the go. I met him a few more times but it wasn't until 1973 in Venice that he figured out who I was.
Between shows we were sitting in John and Mary Ruth's trailer when they pointed to a cluster of people outside. John said, "The one on the left is Irvin Feld, next to him is his brother Israel (the only time I ever saw him) his wife Shirley and the young guy with the afro is his son Kenny visiting from College.
At the conclusion of that exciting day we boarded the ferry and returned to Muskegon, Michigan and James Bros. Circus.
Enough excitement for one day.

Posted by Buckles at 5/26/2009 07:46:00 PM

6 comments:

brothers grimm said...

And overheard outside the trailer, Irvin said to Izzy, "The tall guy that went into the Herriott's trailer is Buckles Woodcock, the knock-out redhead is Barbara, his wife. When we do that third unit we got to sign them for the elephant department. The young kid should grow his hair and we'd make him Tarzan. Kenny, some of the greatest circus talent in the world is right there in that trailer. Kenny...Kenny....Kenny, pay attention your education doesn't stop when you leave the campus."

26 May, 2009 21:05
Frank Ferrante said...

Loved it! Boss was always on the go, but it seemed to me that once he connected with who you were, he didn't forget. Five years after I left Ringling, I took my bride and daughter to the show in Long Beach, Gunther was by the horse tent and I yelled out 'Hello, Boss!' He looked over, then a smile of recognition crossed his face and he came over for hellos and introductions.~frank

i guess Kenny finally did pay attention.

27 May, 2009 08:26
Ole Whitey said...

In the words of Arthur M Concello: Who's that guy with the redhead?

27 May, 2009 15:35
Buckles said...

I think that's one of my favorite Concello stories.
His exact remark was "Who's the red headed broad?"

27 May, 2009 17:38
Ole Whitey said...

I knew that but "Broad" is one of those words that a guy can say about his own wife but you don't say it about another guy's wife. Of course with Art's cred he could say anything.

27 May, 2009 19:14
Ron Henon said...

Buckles,
If I'm not mistaken my wife Stephanie and I, were on that trip to Milwaukee with you, Barbara and family. It was a long enough trip that we took state rooms.
I fondly remember the summer on the Foast (Phoast) farm near Three Rivers MI. You and your family ,Lucio and his family and me and my new wife Stephanie.

Ron Henon

29 May, 2009 12:03

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