Tuesday, February 05, 2019

TRUCKS #3


11 comments:

Charles Hanson said...

I realize this post is about show trucks..Side bar..The Roberts did a high aerial act earlier in their career. Thought that was interesting...At one time,you could find numerous High Acts, listed in the old "Billboard". The only one that comes to mind now is Tina Winn billed as the Galaxy Girl...And maybe Carla Wallenda might be doing some spot dates????

Charles Hanson said...

Help me out on this one..Robert and Doris Earl were the owners.????

Chic Silber said...


I believe you are correct Charles

Carla's 83rd birthday is on the 13th

& so is her daughter Rietta's

I got to see Rietta yesterday at

Kay Rosaire's Big Cat Habitat

Bello does several "High Acts"

Paul Gutheil said...

What about all the Wallendas, especially Nik.
Yes, Robert and Doris Earl. I did not know Bob, but Doris was a warm and lovely lady. Good people , wonderful family show.

Chic Silber said...


Nick Troffer & his mid height

wire assemblage doesn't count

as a "HIGH ACT" to me Paul

His sister & his cousin Rietta

continue to endure daily pain

Charles Hanson said...

When I used the term "High Act" I had reference to the high acts working anywhere from 80 feet to 100 ft plus. These acts usually had a sway pole on top and below you would have a trapeze or two and maybe Roman Rings. Very death defying and no net or safety devices. These acts performed the same routines all Season at Fair dates, celebrations, and etc. Performers who may work a high wire sky walk over a stadium at great heights are doing this as a spot date. High acts worked day in and day out and some carnivals would hire them to help hold people on the midway.

Chic Silber said...


Yup me too Charles

Didn't Johnny Jordan do a

high dive in flames known

as "Geronimo" years ago

A very high ladder affair

Charles Hanson said...

Yes he did...Saw him work this act once or twice. Having said that, he worked high but no where near the height of the "High Acts" as we knew them. I have seen Tina Winn aka The Galaxy Girl, work her High Act directly on the carnival Midway...This helps to hold the crowds and more money for all concerned. At one time, High Acts, were quite common...not so much anymore....

Chic Silber said...


I was thinking his ladder was

about 70 to 75 feet Charles

Memory details don't always

add up to reality I know

I'd seen the Nocks years ago

outdoors at 110 feet maybe

Philly on Lighthouse Field

Chic Silber said...


1 year in San Juan with Jimmy Harrington's

Gran Circo Panamericano at the ballpark

Estadio Hiram Bithorn we had "Jumpin Joe"

Gerlach doing a sponge plunge from a hot

air balloon at over 120 feet

Joe was an olympic diving champion who

defected from Hungary in the early 60s

Roger Smith said...

In Anchorage, some 26 years back, I met a girl named Celeste Starr, who claimed she worked the highest of the high acts, and her photos were hard to argue with. Beautiful blonde lady, about 30 or so at the time. High act fans might know more about her--?