From Robert Perry #1

!cid_0513F8C2BD7E11DF91FDF4F20CDF7741@snj-us-pcwp-704_kodak, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Robert Perry clowning with Wirths 1950.

From Robert Perry #2

!cid_0514BC94BD7E11DF91FDF4F20CDF7741@snj-us-pcwp-704_kodak, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Robert at Wirths old site in Melbourne 50 years later.

From Robert Perry #3

!cid_051557B2BD7E11DF91FDF4F20CDF7741@snj-us-pcwp-704_kodak, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Wirth's Plaque.

From Robert Perry #4

!cid_F1602B44BD9F11DF91FDF4F20CDF7741@snj-us-pcwp-704_kodak, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. L to R my Brother Alby Perry Australian whip cracker, Ian Westbrook, Jenda Smaha Roy Diesler.

From Robert Perry #5

!cid_07D5CBA4BE6D11DFB551E8F0E7A0BE40@snj-us-pcwp-706_kodak, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Wirth,s flying act my Dad Alby Perry doing comedy David Knupp catcher Babs & Del Graham

From Paul Ingrassia #1

Scan13110, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Paul continues to submit pictures for the Blog by mail Along with this one came the note, "Diano Elephants in Milwaukee minutes before Tommy became Tusko."

From Paul Ingrassia #2

Scan13111, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. "One year we moved the elephants by rail from Baraboo to Janesville where our truck was waiting, for the final leg into Milwaukee for the parade." Buckles

From Paul Ingrassia #3

Scan13112, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Paul Ingrassia #4

Scan13117, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Paul Ingrassia #5

Scan13116, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Paul Ingrassia #6

Scan13115, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Jimmy, is this the curtain that later enrobed the Wicked Wazir of Choctaw County?"

From Buckles #1

Scan13114, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Baraboo in the winter time. We were on our way to Minneapolis to play the Hanneford Shrine date and stopped by the Museum to clean out the truck, water and exercise. Chico up front with "Peggy" then "Toto", "Janet" and "Anna May", Picture taken in early 1986.

From Buckles #2

Scan13113, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. A couple of days ago I mentioned driving down from Baraboo to see Gopher's Show. I later wrote on the back: "Ford Bros. Circus Ripon, Wisconsin June 9, 1984."

Gunther Gebel-Williams- Iowa Newspaper

Gunther Gebel-Williams.1 - Iowa Newspaper, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. From Henry Penndorf Today, September 12, would have been Gunther Gebel-Williams seventy-sixth birthday. I can never forget that date, my wife shares her birthday (different year) with Gunther. Phylis claims that is probably the reason why I married her. To me Gunther was a "rock star". I became a big fan of his the very first time I saw him perform. I was fond of telling people that when I grow up I want to be Gunther Gebel-Williams. The first time I saw Gunther perform was when he made his American debut at Madison Square Garden with the newly created Red Unit of Ringling Brothers in 1969. I have always been a fan of cage acts, but I knew watching Gunther I was watching something and someone special. It w! as also the first time that I had ever seen a "natural enemies" act. I remember looking for Gunther when the performers took their final bows. I didn't see him. My disappointment was short lived. The herd of elephants were lead into the Garden at a gallop, and there was Gunther standing atop the first elephant. I was in awe. In the past there have been discussions as on this blog and others as to who was the better trainer, or who was the bigger star, Gunther or Clyde Beatty. I can't comment on that since I never saw Clyde Beatty perform in person, only in videos. I do believe there has never been a more athletic, versatile, or charismatic performer in the history of the circus than Gunther. I think Gunther also had an almost impish, playful quality about him that endeared him to his fans and friends. You could see in his face the joy that he got fr! om performing. When he was performing in the great cage, the arena was electric. He had a way of connecting with each person in the arena on an almost individual basis. In introducing Gunther to America, the 99th Edition Program said, "name an animal, any animal, and chances are that Gunther Gebel-Williams has successfully trained it". Gunther had a sense of humor...I remember reading an interview with Gunther. The interviewer asked Gunther what was the most dangerous act that he performs, Gunther's answer, liberty horses. Gunther went on to explain the inherent danger. He said I'm in the center ring with a group of liberty horses, while in the rings on either side of me are my wife, and my ex-wife presenting two other groups of liberty horses. Looking through my circus clippings I enjoyed the titles that the media bestowed on Gunther, "Mr. Circus", "Lord Of The Ring", "The Nureyev Of The Circus" and a personal favorite, "The Golden Gladiator". According to Dominique Jando's "Circopedia", Gunther was named AGVA's 1973 "Artist Of The Year". Does anyone know if Gunther is the only circus performer to be so honored? Gunther defined the word "superstar". He was a performer whose fame far exceeded the boundaries of the big top. Even non circus fans knew the name Gunther Gebel-Williams. As I was told some time ago by a very wise man, "Gunther was truly touched by the Gods". I feel I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Gunther. I had been given a copy of Gunther's biography, "Untamed", as a gift by a friend. The Red Unit was appearing at the Garden, so I brought my book with me to see if I could get it signed. I was down on the arena floor during the pre-show. I asked a clown if he thought Gunther would sign my book. The clown told me to wait there. I sat down on an elephant t! ub and waited. A few moments later I saw Mark Oliver walking tow ards me. When Mark Oliver came up to me, he said that his father would like me to come back to the Garden's Rotunda were he was getting ready for the show's upcoming performance. Mark Oliver led me there. To get to Gunther we walked between two elephants. When we emerged, there was Gunther, in costume, with a huge smile. As he signed my book, Gunther joked that he was signing it a little large because he didn't have his glasses. We talked for brief time. I asked him if I could take a picture of him. Gunther called over one of the elephant handlers, handed him my camera and I had a picture of Gunther and me. We shook hands and I was escorted back to the arena. The book and the picture are treasured parts of my circus collection. I'll never forget that moment. The attached pictures are not the usual pictures that we have all seen of Gunther. These pictures come from my collection of ! circus newspaper clippings. The quality of the pictures are a little less than desired, but I still think they are great shots. The oldest of the pictures that I included is from forty-one years ago. Finally, from the world of You Tube a four minute video of a young Gunther presenting his "natural enemies" act while he was still performing for the German Circus Williams. If you look closely at the video you will also get a brief glimpse of Gunther's first wife, Jeanette, and Henry Schroer. The video commentary is in Italian. Here is a link to that video... YouTube - Gunther Gebel Williams

Gunther Gebel-Williams- NY Daily News 1971

Gunther Gebel-Williams.10 - NY Daily News 1971, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Gunther Gebel-Williams- Newark Star Ledger 1981

Gunther Gebel-Williams.8 - Newark Star Ledger 1981, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Gunther Gebel Williams- New York Post 1977

Gunther Gebel Williams .4 - New York Post 1977, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Gunther Gebel-Williams- NY Times 1971

Gunther Gebel-Williams.3 - NY Times 1971, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Gunther Gebel Williams- NY Daily News 1971

Gunther Gebel Williams.9 - NY Daily News 1971, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Gunther Gebel-Williams- NY Times 1989

Gunther Gebel-Williams.12 - NY Times 1989, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Gunther Gebel Williams- NY Daily News 1969

Gunther Gebel Williams.2 -NY Daily News 1969, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Gunther Gebel-Williams- NY Daily News 1971

Gunther Gebel-Williams.15 - NY Daily News 1971, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Charly Bauman - National Geographic 1977

Charly Bauman.2 - National Geographic 1977, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. September was indeed a good month for the circus. Besides Gunther, other September birthdays...Henry Schroer, September 13, Heinz "Charly" Baumann, September 14, "America's Own" Wade Burck, September 16! , Rudi Lenz, Septmber 24, and of course, Barbara Woodcock, Septe mber 30. Charly Baumann would have been eighty-two this year. My best and warmest birthday wishes go out to all of them and to Henry Schroer also my prayers for his good health. Stay well, Henry Penndorf

Frederic Edelstein #1 (From Henry Penndorf)

Frederic Edelstein.2A, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. I came across this article on Frederick Edelstein, the star animal trainer with France's Circus Pinder, on the French circus website "Burgus Circus". Computer translations are not always accurate, but to the best of my understanding, this is what the article said... First, Frederick Edelstein was injured during a performance While he was moving a pedestal Frederick Edelstein tore a tendon in his bicep, which required surgery. He will be out four months recuperating from that surgery. The article goes on to say that the "Barnum Circus" (I took it to mean Ringling Brothers) has been in contact with Frederick Edelstein about the possibility of bringing his cage act to! the "Barnum Circus" in 2011. Also (according to the article) that Frederick Edelstein is considering it. The article originally appeared in the September 4, 2010 edition of Sud-Ouest. The article was written by Christian Drink. Frederick Edelstein is a experienced trainer. The lions, they lead after his whip from the age of 14 years. This is the t! ime he spent in the train. What has happened in the open show at Lyon, is not due to any reaction of its beasts. He says. "In the cage, the lions jump from one stool to another. By taking one of these stools, I had a torn tendon that holds the distal biceps tendon tearing full of bones. " Despite this trauma, Frederick continued the show. The public has not seen. At the end of his representation, he contacted a surgeon friend, the very man who operates the footballers OL. The verdict is final. Emergency surgery and four months of complete rest, without any effort on the arm. ! For an active man like Fred, what happens to him is appalling. "I could not do anything," he explains. I decided to leave during these four months of inactivity with my wife Sophie in the United States to visit the American circuses. " It was during his journey he crosses the Barnum circus. The number of Frederick the enormous interest. "My current issue is unique, says Frederick. I have 16 cats together. Barnum offered me to join them in 2011 and I think I'll do it for my father whom I am very attached agrees. "

Frederic Edelstein #2

Frederic Edelstein.4A, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. If the part of the article about the possibility of Frederick Edelstein joining Ringling Brothers is true, and he would join Ringling Brothers in 2011, would that mean he would go to the Red Unit and replace Taba? Do you, or any of the Blog's readers, have any knowledge or additional information about this? Or on Frederick Edelstein? Hope all is well, Henry

Toby Tyler Circus (Set 3) From Peter Rosa)

!cid_A8B6E21A-BE2C-4EB5-A48A-3DAB5BB2E199@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Unusual picture. The side show top was set so far back you can see the entire banner line from the back side. Looks like Dickie made the nut that day. Buckles

Toby Tyler Circus (Set 3) #2

!cid_3B27A327-C67B-48EA-AD37-65B4B8D51A7B@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Toby Tyler Circus (Set 3) #3

!cid_EF207E8A-4579-48C0-B0BC-59288CB05696@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Toby Tyler Circus (Set 3) #4

!cid_8D2BB327-F223-44E1-BF9C-23B559EE2171@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Toby Tyler Circus (Set 3) #5

!cid_9D7B380D-B896-48F4-8E2B-10CE9318D86D@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Toby Tyler Circus (Set 3) #6

!cid_F5A75F16-E854-4843-82FD-8010F1B1A83F@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Toby Tyler Circus (Set 3) #7

!cid_20448EC4-F4CF-413F-9B12-7F542FFACAAC@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Toby Tyler Circus (Set 3) #8

!cid_E808AEBA-4B28-43EA-AFA4-74F7E35FDF29@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Toby Tyler Circus (Set 3) #9

!cid_A5682576-F45E-4B69-A1B2-27E80722EC1A@hsd1_fl_comcast_net, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. That's a lot of canvas for a single row of quarter poles. Bobby Gibbs and I once drove down to Madison to see Gopher's Show and he had a much smaller tent with two rows of metal quarters. When I asked him about it he said that he generally showed out West where the wind blows a lot. Buckles

From Jack Ryan

showmans_rest, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Buckles, A footnote to Chic's post on the Hugo cemetery. This headstone also resides there. My line has been used in lots of places but this is the most unusual Jack

Mt. Olivet Cemetery (From Chic Silber)

OLIVET1, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Hi Buckles I've heard so much about Hugo over the years but have never been there so I looked it up I thought that there may be others interested Hugo As a railroad hub in the early 1900s, Hugo, Oklahoma was a hotbed of activity, with a vivid mix of dance hall girls, hustlers and gunfighters, a Harvey House Restaurant, and at one time, a dozen circuses wintering nearby taking advantage of the moderate climate and easy rail access. The Hugo Frisco Depot Museum in the restored former Harvey House Restaurant captures some of this rollicking past, and Mount Olivet Cemetery showcases the final resting places for rodeo greats. The cemetery also features a special area known as "Showmen's Rest," which features unique headstones and gravesites for circus owners and performers. Clearly the Mount Olivet Cemetery is a main attraction I'll let the others add all the dark humor Chic

Mt. Olivet Cemetery #2

OLIVET2, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. "There are a large number of these elephants that mark the outer parameters of the Showmen's Rest. Thus excluding the intrusion of impostors." Buckles

Mt. Olivet Cemetery #3

OLIVET3, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Mt. Olivet Cemetery #4

OLIVET4, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Buckles #1

SAVE1073, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Buckles #2

SAVE1075, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Buckles #3

Monument in Hugo, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Buckles #4

SAVE2155, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Buckles #5

Scan12181, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Notice how vacant Mt. Olivet looked in 1963. We had just returned from the Texas Dates during which time President Kennedy had been killed in Dallas while we were playing nearby Ft. Worth.

From Paul Gutheil

mark gunther msg, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Buckles: According to my calendar Gunther would have been 76 this coming Sunday, so I have attached the last photo I ever took of this great man (with Mark) during his last visit to Madison Square Garden. With fond memories, Paul

From Dave Price

Pfred3, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

FROM RICK PFENING

PFENING, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. PFENING Frederic Denver Pfening, Jr. passed away on September 6, 2010, at the age of 85. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Lelia B. Pfening; two sons, Frederic III (Janet), and Timothy (Suzi); three grandchildren, Victoria Pfening Smith, Lesley Pfening, and Frederic Pfening IV; and one great-grandchild, Madeline Smith. He will be missed by all. A life-long resident of Columbus, he attended Upper Arlington High School where he was on the swimming team and had a column in the school newspaper. His summer job in 1941 was with the Barr Bros. Circus and in 1942 with Ringling Bros. After graduating in 1943, he served in the United States Army. He attended The Ohio State University from 1944 to 1948. While a student, he was a cheerleader, a member of Bucket and Dipper; and editor of the Sundial, the college humor magazine. In his spare time he paid his way through school as a photographer at various campus social events. In 1948 he joined the Fred D. Pfening Company, a manufacturer of equipment for the wholesale baking industry, founded by his father in 1919. He was President of the company from 1954 until 1989, after which he became Board Chairman. He was also President of four other companies, the most interesting of which was the Fred J. Mack Circus which he operated in 1955. He served on many non-profit boards including, COSI, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Friends of The Ohio State University Libraries, the Riverside Hospital Foundation, the Circus World Museum, the Crippled Childrens’ Society, and the Upper Arlington Arts Council. He was a lifetime member of First Community Church. He was the recipient of many honors. The two that meant the most to him were election to the Columbus Business Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement award from the Bakery Equipment Manufacturers’ Association. He was a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Chief Executives Forum, the Columbus Rotary Club, the Columbus Club, Scioto Country Club, The Ohio State President’s Club, the American Society of Baking, the Columbus Food and Wine Society, and Chaine des Rotisseurs, among others. He was able to drive until 2 months before he passed. The circus was his passion. He was a member of the Circus Historical Society for close to 70 years, he was President of the organization from 1958 to 1963, and later served on its Board of Trustees. He was editor of Bandwagon, the journal of the Circus Historical Society, from 1961 until his death, and was internationally recognized as an expert on the circus. He counted many circus professionals among his friends. Visitation will be at the Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221 on Wednesday, September 15, from 4:00 to 8:00 p. m. A memorial service will be held at First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43212 on Thursday, September 16 at 11:00 a. m. Dr. Richard Wing officiating. Flowers may be ordered through Evans Floral, 1-800-607-8575. Contributions may be made to the Circus World Museum, 550 Water Street, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913, and to COSI Columbus attn: Development Department 333 West Broad Street Columbus, OH 43215. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to extend condolences and share memories.

The Pettus Family #1

Scan13103, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

The Pettus Family #2

Scan13109, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Clyde Beatty- Russell Bros. Circus 1944. The Show carried 9 elephants. Bert Pettus at right with Mr. Beatty's three elephants "Mary", "Sidney" and "Anna May" In the background, second from left is Mack MacDonald in charge of Mr. Concello's five elephants "Margaret", "Elsie", "Daisy", "Dixie" and "Myrtle" Also included in the herd was an elephant named "Lucy" owned by Jack Joyce who had been whisked away by the U.S. Army. In the Fall she was sold to Ben Davenport.

The Pettus Family #3

Scan13108, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Clyde Beatty Circus 1945. Bert Pettus, Charlie Doelker and Mickey Kelly (Little Irish).