1940 RBBB Program #7

1940 RBBB Program-7, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The 1940 program also ran an article on boss elephant man Walter McClain titled “Beautician to Fifty Elephants,” and which described some of the care and maintenance that McClain and his associates were required to perform on the show’s elephant herd. TO BE CONTINUED From Buckles: "MacDonald told me that when he was in quarters in the 1930's with the Ringling Show he did the feet on all 30-plus elephants by himself. He said he wanted it done right plus he enjoyed it. Knowing his work ethic it's probably true. This might be him, I'm trying to remember his tattoos."

1940 Post Card #1 (From Buckles)

Scan13139, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. From Don Smith to Charlie Campbell "These girls names were Bonnie and Gloria, same as the Bale Sisters. Both married well known Ringling exec's but my memory fails me here." Buckles

Reverse Side #1

Scan13140, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

1940 Post Card #2

Scan13141, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Albert Marx to Terrell Jacobs.

Reverse Side #2

Scan13146, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Kelly-Miller 1952 #1

Scan13149, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Every morning started out the same, "Margaret" backing out of the bull truck to start the day's work.

Kelly-Miller 1952 #2

Scan13148, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Charles Weathersby and his "Dixie Syncopators".

Kelly-Miller 1952 #3

Scan13153, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. This was my boss Mel Lewis, Side Show Manager. If the people were late coming down the midway he would stall by getting a kid up on the bally platform and after making him give his name and background he would have him repeat: "After being thoroughly Fookamized and highly Kaboobalized........ I will allow this Oriental Prestidigitator......to remove my cranium..... from the remainder of my anatomy! Do you know what that means?.....No.....It means I can cut your head off! Not to worry!..... Not to worry! In 20 years I have only had one fatality. After severing the head I passed it out into the audience to be examined, suddenly it began to rain, the crowd became excited and I became excited and in all this excitement I replaced his head upside down and backwards. Do you know what happened?.....No!.....The rain ran down his nose and he drowned!

Kelly-Miller 1952 #4

Scan13150, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Kelly-Miller 1952 #5

Scan13151, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Kelly-Miller 1952 #6

Scan13152, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Downie Bros. "Tena" posing with: Fred Logan, Red Compton, John Carroll, "Bad Willie" Gray, Red Smith, Richard Rich and Mike Orloff.

Kelly-Miller 1952 #7

Scan13154, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. At first I thought this was Benny Rossi but on enlargement I don't think it is, too frail.

Kelly-Miller 1952 #8

Scan13155, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. "Hattie" years later sold to Cliff Vargas.

Kelly-Miller 1952 #9

Scan13156, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. This George Piercy picture is 58 years old, I wonder if anyone remains that can name these well known circus fans. The Great Karnak knows because the names are on the back.

Kelly-Miller 1952 #10

Scan13157, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. At first glance this looks like two tents end to end but this is the K-M "shotgun" push pole big top with Kelly's living quarters spotted at the end. 4- 30's, 2- 20's and 40' in the middle. No one knew how wide it was, some said 100' others said 90". It came off the spool in two sections, they were spread out, laced together and the stake driver drove a stake at the end of each rope. Sort of like going on a camping trip. The center poles were never completely vertical or in a straight line, wherever the elephant stopped is where it stayed. The only aerial act was Evalina Rossi's single traps in the center and you can see how it pulled the poles together. On the other hand it was up and ready between 9:30 and 10 each morning and we were at the pie car having a cheeseburger between 10:30 and 11 at night.

From John Whitfield

Change again!!!! Due to the fact that the 11th is the Showfolks Circus etc. Vicky Hanneford's service and club event will be Dec. 18th. This should be the definite date. John

From Chic Silber

KENNYCO, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. For anony "From Henry Pendorf # 2" I guess my expectation of clowns is affected by memories from too long ago when they were mostly traditional (but not all alike) & their wardrobe was often outlandish & bright Like so many things nothing stays the same

To Greg DeSanto

Scan13147, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. How about this car? The driver was cleverly concealed in this big iron box. Pictured are clowns Lee Virtue and Eddie Dullem. It was so heavy an elephant had to push it up into the wardrobe wagon each night. Buckles

Cole Bros. #1

Scan13144, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Due to the interest shown in the "Fun By The Ton" book I thought I would do a layout on Eddie and Jean Allen, taking care not to include any pictures from the book for the benefit of those who plan on buying a copy. First notice I have of Allen was his listing as a hand in the 1924 John Robinson elephant herd. I have no knowledge of Jean's background but they made an outstanding looking couple with 101 Ranch elephants in the early 1930's. I thought it unique that they were both Jewish. When the Ranch Show folded in 1931 the Miller's retained the elephant act which was booked at fairs, indoor dates, etc. and leased to Barnett Bros. Circus in 1934. The act was sold to Adkins and Terrell the following for their new Cole Bros. Circus and the Allen's were off and running.

Cole Bros. #2

SAVE0487, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Eddie Allen and "Safari".

Cole Bros. #3

Scan13145, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Jean Allen and "Big Babe" (Ranch Herd) an Atwill picture.

Fun By The Ton #1

Scan13140, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. I couldn't resist including the list of "do's and don'ts" included in the book. In books about elephants you can pretty well tell when the writer takes over.

Fun By The Ton #2

Scan13141, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

RBBB #1

pg97062a, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. After Walter McLain's accidental death in 1942, Eddie Allen must have been the logical replacement since Robert Ringling had plans for a big elephant number as seen here in rehearsal.

RBBB #2

Scan13143, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Eddie Allen on the back yard in 1943. Actually he wasn't on the show very long. Might not have made the whole season. Someone once told me that he got sick, went to the Hospital and kept going.

RBBB 1943 #3

Scan13139, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Jackie, do you remember Arnie Honkala? Logan said he got tired of shoveling elephant shit and became a clown. If they would be short handed he help work a team on the lot still in makeup.

Eddie Allen

Scan10863, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. This is one of my favorite pictures. Elephant man starting the day, rain gear in hand.

Dailey Bros. Route Book 1946

Scan13146, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. After separating from Eddie, Jean Allen remained with the Cole Show for some time until she was hired by Ben Davenport with the understanding beside performing, she could become involved in Concessions. Barbara worshiped her and Jean took the time to teach her the right way to shinny up on an elephant and a stern taskmaster she was. Years later she bankrolled Big Bob Stevens for a tour of dates he booked in Texas. This turned out to be mine and Barbara's first time to work the act together when we were first married. A few years later we were making the Texas Shrine dates and in a Houston newspaper interview, Barbara explained that all the credit should go to Jean Allen, unaware that she was there having booked a number of her concessions in the Coliseum. Later in the day Jean came back by the elephants and thanked Barbara for her kindness and visited for quite a while, wish I had owned a recorder. She was killed in an auto accident not long after.

From Steve Flint #1

ICHOF 017, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Dear Buckles- (Hopefully) Attached are a couple of photo's from last evenings event of the induction of "Bobo" Barnett being inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in Baraboo, WI. The event was well attended by approximately 60 people with Greg and Karen DeSanto making all feel "at home". Receiving the award was Bobo's daughter, Bonnie Barnett and family. Bobo's miniature car, as well as some of his props, are currently on display at the ICHOF. Bobo traveled for many years appearing in many Shrine circuses as well as on Hagenbeck-Wallace and being featured on the Ed Sullivan show. Bonnie introduced her new book, Bobo's Daughter, and hosted a book signing after the evenings events. Great food, friends and conversation were in abundance. Flint

From Steve Flint #2

ICHOF 009, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Photo 2- Bobo's miniature automobile on display

From Steve Flint #3

ICHOF 012, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Photo 3- plaque appearing in the display

From Steve Flint #4

ICHOF 019, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Photo 4- Bonnie Barnett, Greg & Karen DeSanto presenting the award

From Henry Penndorf #1

108th Edition (1978) Ringling Program, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. 108th Edition (1978) Ringling Program Hi Bill, I was looking through several of my older Ringling Brothers programs,when in the 108th Edition (1978) program I noticed something in the "Program of Displays" that I had never noticed before. If you read the introduction for the second display you will read a marvelous example circus ballyhoo and illiteration, but the introduction wasn't complete, the name of the of the performer was omitted. I think even the most casual circus goer would know that the man who they were referring to was Charly Baumann. It started me to thinking if in all these years anyone else noticed that?

From Henry Penndorf #2

P. T, Barnum Statue.7 - 2010, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. As per Chic Silber's request.... Old P.T. Barnum is standing proudly in front of the Bethel Public Library, welcoming one and all to his hometown of Bethel Connecticut. The unveiling ceremony actually took place on Sunday, September 26, and not today, Friday, October 1 as I had previously read. According to the Danbury News-Times, close to one thousand people attended the unveiling of Bethel's statue of P. T. Barnum. I am sure P. T. himself, would have been pleased by all the pomp and ceremony, and of ! course, the honor, but he might have described it a bit differently, s aying that there were tens of thousands in attendance. Ringling Brothers sent P.T. Barnum impersonator, Todd Ziimmerman, and three clowns to aid sculptor David Gesualdi in unveiling the six foot three bronze sculpture in front of the Bethel Library. Several foundry workers from the Polich Tallix Foundry in Newburgh, New York, where the bronze sculpture was cast also attended the unveiling. The turnout for the unveiling at the library was dwarfed by the crowd of spectators that lined Greenwood Avenue for P. T. Barnum's birthday parade. An estimated crowd of several thousand spectators viewed the parade, which paid homage to the prodigious promoter, and founder of "The Greatest Show on Earth". There were a contingent of clowns scattered among marching! bands, civic organizations, horse-drawn carriages, and horseless carriages. Circus performers were prominent participants,

From Henry Penndorf #3

P. T, Barnum Statue.8 - 2010, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Buckles #1

Scan13139, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. "Henry, you just got a Larry program!

From Buckles #2

Scan13141, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Buckles #3

Scan13142, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

"Fun By The Ton"

Scan13136, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. From Radar: Buckles, Can you please provide us with more information regarding the Eddie Allen book? Thank you. From Buckles: His book was ghosted by the great Press Agent F. Beverly Kelley when both were with Cole Bros. Circus but wasn't published until 1941. I first read it when I was in Grade School and was impressed. Lots of good pictures. Mr. Allen was a remarkable man in as much as he jumped from working elephants to becoming Gene Autry's Business Manager and later an Executive in Hollywood. When I was with the Polack Show, Parley and Ernie invited Barbara and I to their home and what a surprise when I discovered they had also invited Mr. Allen. What an afternoon that was. I tried to get him to fill in some blanks regarding the Cole Show elephants but didn't have much luck. Only elephant man I ever saw with a manicure. Parley later told me that Eddie owned a small island off the California coast. Years later I had a wonderful afternoon visiting with Bev Kelley while he was visiting in Baraboo.

From Wade Burck

Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver 1963, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Greetings Buckles, I don't know if I ever recall seeing this photo of Mac, which was sent to me. Have you seen it before? If not, I thought you would like it for your "archives". It was taken at the Pacific National Exhibition in Canada. My best wishes to you and your family, Wade From Buckles: Thanks, that's a great picture. Elephants from front to back are "Jean", "Betty", "Millie", "Kathy" and "Opal" with "Kae" out front doing head stand.

From John Whitfield

The funeral arrangements for Vicky Hanneford are changed to December 4th. There is a cremation planned and a memorial on that date George turned 87 on the 27th. He is visiting Nellie on Kelly Miller at the present time. John

From Casey Gibbs

Email001, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. From the past "The Great Senor Roberto "

From Robert Perry

R.Perry ringling men oak calif, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. HI Buckles As we hope to be coming to the US in March with our niece Denise has been to the us many times but has never seen the Ringling Show would they be out showing in March or is that too early. Regards Robert Perry From Buckles Both of the big units should be over East by then, in fact one of them should be in Madison Square Garden about that time. They have a Web Site with all the routes, maybe someone could help us with this.

From Fred Dahlinger

Buckles: William Adams "Bill" Griffith Jr., the doyenne of Wisconsin circus owners, will celebrate his next birthday on Saturday, October 16. Bill is the latest in a line that started with the Mabie brothers, Hiram Orton and were followed by many more. A brief biography of Bill is in the book Badger State Showmen and a longer account was authored by Jim Lackore for Bandwagon, Jan-Feb and March-April 1974. Bill's shows included: 1957 Holiday Circus Review, Grand International Cirque de Noel and Adams Bros. Famous Indoor Circus 1958 Adams Bros. Circus 1959 Adams Bros. and Seils Bros.' Combined Circus 1960 Adams and Sells Circus 1962-1963 Sells Bros.' 3 Ring Circus 1964-1965 Birnam Bros. Great 3 Ring Circus In more recent times Bill owned and operated a carnival and also served as proprietor of the American Calliope Center in Spring Green, which displayed the world's finest collection of air calliopes. Perhaps you have some suitable images for posting to "make his day." Bill and his wife, Dot, reside in Spring Green, WI. Best regards, Fred

From Buckles #1

Scan13138, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. My dad and Langdon were buddies at Hall's place in the 1920's. He wrote on the back of this picture: "Nemo" when owned by George P. Dorsey, Chicago, Ill. Dorsey Bros. Motorized Circus 1927-28.

From Buckles #2

Scan13137, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. From Don Koehl Having followed zoo and circus elephants in Europe since I was young, im very much impressed how you have managed in US to follow the american circus elephants. Partly because same name is used more often, but also the movements throughout the years between different circuses, in amuch higher degree than in Europe. I hope yu can help me out with the Babe at Gentrys during 1922, who obviously had a simlair trail for same years as Pinto and Queen. Pinto and Queen was easier to follow, if I have supposed right, that the queen that died on Downie 1938 was Gentry Queen? But Babe I find it difficault, due to the different Babes on the various locations. Gentry Babe ( I just made a comment at the pic taken one year before she died) doesnt fit, since she only stayed on Gentry 1920-1924, and was sold to Christy 1924? From Buckles Don, you are going down a dangerous road here. Listing elephants can literally become a maddening hobby. Just about the time you think you have it figured out some obscure article disrupts everything. Ask Bob Cline. For some time I was seriously unbalanced until the Blog came along and now I am OK. GENTRY BABE 1900 Imported from Hagenbeck Zoo 1900-23 Gentry Bros. Circus 1924 Christy Bros. Circus 1925-27 Lee Bros. Circus (Christy's #2 unit) 1928-30 Christy Bros. Circus 1931-32 George Christy Independent Act 1933 Sam B. Dill Circus 1934 Sam B. Dill & Tom Mix Circus 1935-38 Tom Mix Circus 1939-41 Bud E. Anderson Circus 1942 Atterbury Bros. (Leased from Anderson) 1943-45 Arthur Bros. Circus 1946-49 Seal Bros. Circus (Anderson) 1950-53 Wallace & Clark Circus (Luke Anderson) 1954 Pan American Circus 1955-67 Gene Holter Animal Shows (Put to sleep due to old age 5-18-67) "Babe" during her final years with Holter. Maybe one of you West Coast guys can identify the pretty lady with Wally Ross.

From Paul Gutheil

Buckles Bubbles BAC, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. BEAUTIFUL BARBARA, "...THE QUINTESSENTIAL PERFORMER" A VERY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAY THE WORLD WAS FIRST BLESSED WITH YOUR PRESENCE. WISHING YOU MANY MORE IN GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPINESS. LOVE, PAUL & DIANE From Buckles: Having first read the text I assumed this would be another picture of the Mrs. but instead it turned out to be me, Dalilah and "Peggy" in a Big Apple finale. Quite a picture. Maybe some of you "Apple Core" people can identify the performers. These aren't the Chinese that dared to defy Bobby Gibbs at the well documented "Birthday Party Incident".

From Henry Penndorf #1

P.T. Barnum.2 (Matthew Brady), originally uploaded by bucklesw1. P.T. Barnum photo by Matthew Brady The posting a few days ago of the story of Bethel, Connecticut's statue of P.T. Barnum had me, and I am sure some of the Blog's other readers, curious as to what this statute might look like. I did a "Google search and found a few pictures of the statue. The photos were taken in the sculptor's, David Gesualdi, studio. The pictures show the life-size statue of P.T. Barnum in it's clay form, just prior to being cast in Bronze. The Barnum statue ! was cast at the Polich Tallix Fine Art Foundry in Rock Tavern, N.Y., using the lost-wax casting method. The gentleman pictured with the statue is its creator, sculptor, David Gesualdi. The statue celebrates the 200th anniversary of P.T. Barnum's birth in Bethel, Connecticut, July 5, 1810. The statue of the famous showmen, huckster, politician, businessman and philanthropist is sc! heduled to be unveiled and dedicated on Friday, October 1. The planned festivities would make Barnum proud. The activities are right out of Barnum's playbook, and include clowns, elephants, music and a parade through Bethel. An independent filmmaker, Corey Boutilier, is documenting the creation of the Barnum statue and Barnum’s life in a film, "P.T. Barnum The Lost Legend", scheduled for release in November.

From Henry Penndorf #2

P. T, Barnum Statue.1 - 2010, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Barnum Statue #1- 2010

From Henry Penndorf #3

P. T, Barnum Statue.2 - 2010, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Barnum Statue #2- 2010

From Henry Penndorf #4

P. T, Barnum Statue.3 - 2010, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Barnum Statue #3- 2010

From Buckles #1

Scan13131, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Stamped on the back: "Credit- P.M.McClintock P.O Box 891 Franklin, Pa." And beneath that my dad wrote "1887".

From Buckles #2

Scan13130, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. My favorite Barnum picture titled: "Do you come here often?"