Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Hempstead, NY 1970 #1

Hall's Bears

Posted by Buckles at 2/10/2010 05:19:00 AM

5 comments:

Jim A. said...

Isn't ageing interesting? Has I got older my hair turned gray while Jimmy's turn blond. Actually he could shave his head and still have a great bear act -- has for over 40 years.

10 February, 2010 11:42
Mike Naughton said...

Class never goes out of style!

10 February, 2010 13:04
Anonymous said...

You never turn gray....that's platinum!
cc

10 February, 2010 13:53
Roger Smith said...

What stands out for me is that this act has understated elegance--plenty of chrome, two mirrors, great lighting, and striking wardrobe for a commanding performance without a ring-full of clutter. And the bears weren't bad, themselves.

Now--I know Hubert Castle didn't own this act, but I've seen the title as Kassle's Bears, with Kassel's and of course, Castle's showing up in programs. I presume this may be a family name, but which spelling is right?

10 February, 2010 22:29
Nini said...

Where does the time go!

I remember the cinammon brown bear in the chair in front of me - her name was Ursa (the anchor for all the young cubs).
Ursa was one of Jimmy's original bears given to him by Bucky Steele, already trained. How Bucky came by her, I don't know, but I do know that she was initially broke by R.E. Leonard.
The syrian bear, Niki Hoki, by Jimmy, and the canadian black bear, Tony, on the platform above me were the parents of the notorious, Fat Albert.
We were working this date for L.N. Fleckles.
(That's Irvin in the tux, partly hidden behind the globe on my end of the platform)
We did 3 shows a day, for 9 days straight. Ahhh, showbiz!

Roger, my dad and Hubert were best friends and he named Jimmy after Hubert, hence James Castle Hall.

14 February, 2010 19:11

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