From Jerry Digney #4

This year marks the 40th anniv. of the passing of two KEY early Feld-Ringling players, including Israel "Izzy" Feld, brother and life-long business partner of Irvin. Israel was the money guy, Irvin the promoter. Both died young, Israel at 61, barely five years after buying the circus.Seen here (top right) adjacent to Lady Bird wearing glasses and standing behind the candy butcher (Bobby Hynds?), the rarely photographed and lesser known Israel is accompanied by his wife Shirley (who died just five years ago). Coincidentally, the Feld's longtime business ally, Wolcott "Cotton" Fenner, the prime promotion executive behind early Feld shows and successes including the circus and the creation of its legendary marketing machine, also died suddenly in 1972, also like Israel, at age 61 (seems so young today!), to be replaced by Allen Bloom. Ringling Circus Co-Owner Dies WASHINGTON (AP) - Israel Feld, who with his brother Irvin, was co-owner of the Ringling Bros, and Bamuni & Bailey Circus, died at h i s home here today after a heart attack. Feld, who was 61, was treasurer and executive vice president in charge of the circus's headquarters here. The Felds. in partnership with Roy Holfheinz of Houston, purchased the circus five years ago and in 1969 doubled its size, creating two full-sized touring groups.