Tuesday, December 06, 2011

1944 Beatty-Russell #7

12-05-2011 01;00;33PM by bucklesw1
12-05-2011 01;00;33PM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

Posted by Buckles at 12/06/2011 06:09:00 AM

3 comments:

Chic Silber said...

Many years later Don Francisco

created the Pan American Circus

Interesting that both he & Hubert

Castle started as wire walkers

06 December, 2011 08:55
Jim A. said...

Capt. Winston (Harold ?)was the big-time sea lion trainer on the west coast at this time. His family had bareback riding sea lions on Barnum and Bailey back in the early 1900s. He later trained sea lions at Marineland of the Pacific and other west coast parks. Some of his assistants went on to become names on their own. Bennie Kirkbride , best known for his work at the San Diego Zoo also trained sea lions for TV and films. Art Thomas trained sea lions at Marineland until its closing. Max Morris (Deep Sea Red), circuses, sport shows, and all. All A-1 pinniped trainers.

06 December, 2011 11:25
Mike Naughton said...

Hi Chic,
Don Francisco had a chair/table rental business in North Jersey when he retired from performing.
He produced several winter dates, notably White Plains, NY and Morristown, NJ.
In the mid-70's he produced the Shrine date at Flagler Race Track, FL.
Don produced the White Plains date for years, maybe going back to the late 1950s.
The White Plains date was first played by Hannefords in 1975, then they went to Detroit in 1976. In 1976 Don produced White Plains; since 77 it has been in the Hanneford route. The building might have been closed for renovations during some of that time.
Don also produced the first circus at the Beacon Theatre, NYC.
I started clowning for Don 72/73. Several years later he invited me to attend some committee meetings and I started helping in his office, in a very, very limited capacity.
Pan American Air Lines sent a letter to Don regarding the Pan American title; nothing became of it and Don kept using PA.
Don's private name was Frank Mijares. "Don" and his wife, Mary, treated me like family. They were a class act.

06 December, 2011 14:23

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