I met HRN in '69, out here in Fresno. He was impressive in his gentlemanly elegance. For some reason, he knew I was at Jungleland then, and casually asked who else was there. When I mentioned Arky Scott, he at once denied knowing him. Buckles also tells this same story. When I gently reminded the man that Arky was RBB Elephant Boss, was in the DeMille film by name, and even had a speaking role, Mr. North again said, "No, no, we never had him with us." This was a little beyond belief, but he was set in, and I let it go rather than make it entirely awkward by telling him how wrong he was.
'68 had been a turning point for the new Feld era. Everyone over there was looking over their shoulder, waiting for Kenny to come up and fire them. On this new unit, all personnel had the shakes over who would be the new Boss Clown, the new Ringmaster, the new Performance Director, the new Bandmaster, etc. By '69, even with some of these positions given contracts, no one settled into a sense of security. But here was Henry Ringling North, devoid of any real voice in things, being treated like a grand old retainer, a holdover from the past, comfortably ambling on as Buddy North.
6 comments:
Ida was the only sister to the 7 Ringling Brothers
These are her 2 sons Henry "Buddy" & John "JRN"
Ida Ringling North died in 1950 at age 76
She lived for many of her last years in her
estranged brother John's Bird Key Castle
Ida also had a daughter Mary Salomé
named for her mother Marie Salomé
My baby tiger was also named for her
although pronounced "sul OH' may"
In the final details of selling the show
Henry was kept on the payroll with title
for the rest of his lifetime
I met HRN in '69, out here in Fresno. He was impressive in his gentlemanly elegance. For some reason, he knew I was at Jungleland then, and casually asked who else was there. When I mentioned Arky Scott, he at once denied knowing him. Buckles also tells this same story. When I gently reminded the man that Arky was RBB Elephant Boss, was in the DeMille film by name, and even had a speaking role, Mr. North again said, "No, no, we never had him with us." This was a little beyond belief, but he was set in, and I let it go rather than make it entirely awkward by telling him how wrong he was.
'68 had been a turning point for the new Feld era. Everyone over there was looking over their shoulder, waiting for Kenny to come up and fire them. On this new unit, all personnel had the shakes over who would be the new Boss Clown, the new Ringmaster, the new Performance Director, the new Bandmaster, etc. By '69, even with some of these positions given contracts, no one settled into a sense of security. But here was Henry Ringling North, devoid of any real voice in things, being treated like a grand old retainer, a holdover from the past, comfortably ambling on as Buddy North.
Mostly correct Roger except that
in 1968 Kenneth (not Kenny ever)
was still in college & strongly
vowed on several occasions that
he would definitely not be part
of the circus as he had a path
for his future well planned
68 69 & 70 were strange years
everyone wondering how things
would shake out (both units)
That would be "The Blue Show"
& Circus Williams however a
few swaps were essential
At least Henry was treated
with the respect he deserved
by everyone involved mostly
understanding he had no say
Many folks know it was his
son that dabbled in circus
by purchasing part of K-M
He's not John Ringling South
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