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Friday, December 06, 2013
Circus Vargas #1
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20 comments:
This was probably the largest circus tent since Ringling closed.
160 with 3-50 foot middles.
California orange color.
Harry in Texas
In the mid-70s, Ringling only came as far north in California as Oakland. For the folks in places like Marysville and Yuba City who wouldn't make the long drive, Circus Vargas was THE circus and a very big deal. They always brought a helluva good show to town.
Speaking of Oakland, it was there I first saw Buckles & Co. and Elvin Bale. Memorable moments still.
When Roland Kaiser decided to cut
the show down to 1 ring he asked
me for some technical help so we
built some new lighting equipment
& a soft proscenium with traveler
for under the bandstand & I made
a few trips out to Goodyear to
assist with those elements but
I stayed on a while to help with
a few other things (like sewing)
I had never noticed that central
Florida mountain range before
I'm told the highest elevation in
the State is North of Pompano &
that tremendous solid waste dump
was allowed to grow over & is
known as Mount Garbage (true)
Buckles reception by Mr. Vargas in Wally's trailer reminded me of this.
One of my favorite booking experiences:
In the mid-70s I sent Mr. Vargas photos and resume of a sensational single trap with first-class everything that was new to the market. I won't go into more details because it would reveal the aerialist.
Mr. Vargas called me and we discussed terms. He was very pleasant and told me that he would think it over.
Several days later I received a ranting letter about my outrageous demands, my gall and other remarks about my very talented client.
He continued that he was very pleased with his current aerialist, Bridget Ballantine and he would renew her contract for the following season.
With my typical New York attitude I responded immediately via letter. Part of it follows:
1. You contacted me.
2. Bridget is a fine aerialist and is well showcased in the Vargas production.
3. Please tell Bridget that if she wants to leave the Vargas show I would be happy to represent her.
With fondest affection, I remain
yours sincerely,
Mike Naughton
------------------------------
Not mentioned in my letter was - the Vargas show always had a top notch performance. The best of the best performers were in the show.
Also, the new aerialist went on to the best Shrine dates and had a very successful career.
The demands he referred to was nothing out of the ordinary. Salary, minimum number of weeks, etc. All standard components of a contract.
It could have been late 70s or early 80, now that I think of it. And to be fair - that Vargas show was excellent and I always enjoyed it.
I was lucky enough to get to see Vargas in my area and when they first started open air in Houston, Tx when it was Miller Johnson.
Cliff always treated us fans excellent.
I got invites to a eat out and it was January in Texas and Cliff was in his full length mink coat.
When I got married he sent my wife and I a wedding present.
He called me one day at the tv station where I worked and said I need a favor.
Ok what do you need, I need a complete set of poles for a big top.
And we had them built here in town. When finished the business man he was and the Texas tax was to be added he had them off loaded in Louisiana to save a buck.
What a performance they had and one year Harry Thomas opened the show and after intermission was Pat Anthony.
Harry in Texas
I'm surprised the trucks aren't
lettered or decorated at all
I have a couple questions for you Chic if your still on here.
According to my dear wife
I check on Buckles Brigade
nearly full time but really
being semi retired & still
working (some) my schedule
is very erratic so on some
days I'm often able to be
involved but not others
Today (Monday) I'll check
a few times
I'm wondering why you chose
this photo from years ago
Perhaps it is the orange top
Actually Chic what caught my attention was your comment about helping Roland with the switch to a 1 ring show. I recently found some photos of old Vargas signs including a section of the lighted signs that were suspended between the center poles that have been abandoned in the main building at Trotting Park. I was wondering did the show use this as a winter quarters at one time? Perhaps during the transition since these items would have not been used once they went to the European style top. Also any idea what happened to all the equipment from the 3 ring days?
The seemingly abandoned grandstand
in Goodyear was determined a toxic
site for some reason & the Vargas
Show may have only used the grounds
for that 91 - 92 winter turnaround
It was a Godforsaken desert area
The clumsily cut down big top was
not at all like a European top but
a mismatched set of centers with
2 smaller sections left & right
I don't know if the show ever went
back to Goodyear as they hadn't
been there before 91 & there was
very little useable equipment from
previous years at that point & I
lost my respect for Roland
Thank you Chic, was the mismatched big top you are referring to, parts of the red and blue vinyl top made by Canobbio? Ive often wondered where an entire circus disappeared to. Im sure some trailers etc. were reused, but so much equipment, poles, stakes, side walls and the main top etc. Im guessing they are sitting in a field somewhere forgotten. Such a shame from a fans point of view 80s Vargas was an amazing show to watch.
It was cut from a red & blue vinyl
American style round with 3 middles
Roland thought it was from late 80s
but hadn't been cared for & was in
pretty rough shape when I saw it
I wouldn't have guessed a Canobio
Some of the help wasn't much help
The electrician I recognized from
a Mexican flying act couldn't care
any less & had red lighted plenty
I thought the whole shebang looked
mighty sad & forlorn
The Goodyear Rubber Company
established the town to grow
cotton for their tires prewar
That abandoned harness track
was built in the early 60s
& only operated for 2 seasons
The "toxic site" story may be
a failed effort by the owners
to obtain some insurance money
If my dumb luck holds out
I will never see it again
Buckles tales of his time
in Pico Rivera giving Rex
some help with the Vargas
herd sounded like a similar
desperate desert location
It does sound like the Canobbio top that was used in the 80's up till 1991 ish. It was a 150 foot round with 3-50 foot middles. I heard Cliff had an additional middle made to make it 4 rings and it was used in Hollywood. He actually had two canobbio tops one used mushroom style quarter poles and the second which started being used in 1986 (I believe) used pole pins. There were also subtle yet noticeable difference in the interior design such as large yellow and red stars at each quarter pole location. I did find a small blurb in an article that said one of the reasons Trotting was considered toxic was due to the amount of asbestos. I have seen pictures of the Pico WQ and it did look like a dust bowl. How long were you involved in the show Chic? What was your role? Im guessing technical lightning etc..
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