St. Louis Zoo #11

Scan13186, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

St. Louis Zoo #12

Scan13185, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. TO BE CONTINUED!

From Richard Reynolds

!cid_X_MA1_1286744162@aol, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Fred Pfening Remembrance #1

!cid_X_MA1_1286580910@aol, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Dear Friends - - Thanks to John Polacsek we have these photos. They show the Cole Bros. air calliope no.82 parked outside Shoedinger’s Funeral home with David SaLoutos at the keyboard. The wagon is on the flat trailer. Note the tie down chains. Richard Reynolds

Fred Pfening Remembrance #2

!cid_X_MA2_1286580910@aol, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Dave Price

PosBLcl, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. My favorite Barnum & London litho!

From Don Covington

SAVE1823, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Pachyderm pair headed to PAWS By Mike Taylor The Performing Animal Welfare Society and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus have announced that the circus has given two Asian bull elephants to PAWS. The gift followed a request by PAWS to Ringling Bros. that Kenneth Feld, CEO and producer of Ringling Bros., described as “unprecedented,” according to a PAWS release. “As such,” Feld said, “we wanted to ensure that by granting PAWS’ request, the structures and environment to house and manage these magnificent bull elephants were in place.” One of the bulls, Sabu, arrived at the ARK 2000 sanctuary in San Andreas late last month. Ringling Bros. officials visited the Gold Country to review the facilities and meet with PAWS staff to ensure the safety and well-being of the elephants. Following that visit in September, elephant management staff and a veterinarian from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation escorted Sabu from Florida to San Andreas. “He’s responding very well,” said Ed Stewart, PAWS co-executive director. “He’s got a good disposition.” Sabu weighs in at about 7 tons and is about 2,000 pounds heavier than Nicholas, another Asian bull who came to ARK 2000 in late 2008. Sabu is also about a foot taller, Stewart said. “Nic is quick and fast,” Stewart added. “He’s in great shape because of walking up and down the hills.” Of Sabu, Stewart said the pachyderm is doing well with the new training regimen that PAWS handlers use to work with their jumbo-sized retirees. The elephants are trained without any contact; they are shown targets – usually tennis balls on the ends of bamboo poles – to direct them to different locations in their habitats. This “no contact” training method is safer for handlers and the animals. If the elephants do what a person asks of them, they are given treats; if they don’t, they are not berated or scolded. “When we do blood draws, they get Jelly Bellies,” Stewart said. The jellybean manufacturer has long supported PAWS’ efforts to provide comfortable lives to animals that were once used in the entertainment industry. To draw blood from the pachyderms, they are trained to flap an ear through specially designed fencing in their enclosures. Samples are then drawn and treats are given. When asked if any of the elephants have come across flavors of the candies they didn’t like, Stewart laughed and said they’ve never spat one out. Sabu is housed in a separate barn at ARK 2000 from Nic. Bull elephants must be kept apart because of their moodiness and tendency to excite one another. They are also segregated because bulls going through musth – an annual event during which the animals become very aggressive – can be difficult to separate from other animals. When Nicholas had his first musth earlier this year, Stewart said handlers spent hours trying to get him away from Gypsy, the female Asian elephant he arrived at ARK 2000 with. The sanctuary will wait to receive Prince – the other Asian bull from Ringling Bros. – until another barn is constructed. He is 22 years old and will come to San Andreas after money is raised to erect his new home. The cost of another barn for Prince is $700,000, the PAWS release said, and fencing, which is taller and anchored deeper into the ground than fencing for the African and Asian females, costs $168 per linear foot. “At 28 years old, Sabu is indeed a beautiful sight to behold,” said Pat Derby, PAWS co-founder and president. “This month, visitors to PAWS will be able to view Sabu at the one and only Elephant Grape Stomp: An Afternoon in TUSKany, held annually on the third Saturday in October.” The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at the sanctuary on Pool Station Road. Admission is a donation of $100; call (916) 488-3991 to reserve a ticket. The event is only open to adults. “Guests will delight as they watch from a distance as Sabu splashes, dusts and devours delicious Calaveras County grapes and grapevines,” Derby added. “We are continuing with our fundraising efforts, including our Bucks for Bulls campaign, so that Prince can join us here at ARK 2000 in the very near future.” Both Sabu and Prince were born at a zoo in Oregon as part of Ringling Bros.’ assisted breeding program. The male elephants toured with the circus when they were younger and since retiring from performing a number of years ago, they have lived at one of the circus’s facilities in Florida. Sabu and Prince are not the first former Ringling Bros. pachyderms to retire to PAWS’ care. Shortly after the Sept. 11 attack in 2001, Minnie and Rebecca – two Asian females – came to California. To follow the elephants, bears, tigers and other exotic animals in PAWS’ care, or to make a contribution, visit pawsweb.org. =

From Paul Gutheil #1

IMG_4914, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Paul Gutheil #2

IMG_4916, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Paul Gutheil #3

IMG_4918, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Paul Gutheil #4

IMG_4919, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

From Don Covington

ZERBINI CIRCUS with CASUAL CAL DUPRE coming to Bluffton Bluffton, South Carolina October 9, 2010 "We discovered hip hop" says Casual Cal Dupre, the energetic ringmaster of the Zerbini Family Circus “We took the first hip hop artists on their first tour in America,” Dupree said. “People thought they were a bunch of kids doing mumbo jumbo. They didn’t know how hot their music was, but we did. Being a DJ, I knew.” Dupree now lives in Harlem, NY and Atlanta and is part of his own Blumpin’ Big Show Circus. He’s teamed up with Alain Zerbini’s Multi-cultural Family Circus for shows as well, including next’s week’s in Bluffton. Dupree is well known for his ability to get audiences on their feet, as well as for his messages in support of families. “You have to interject something enlightening that’s uplifting,” he said. “You never know what kid is shy and just waking up, what daddy is in the audience that wants to say sorry for something. You just open people up and expect the best. “With the show I do I try to instill some spiritually, try to put it into people’s lives. We all walk the high wire each day. How many of us are scared to cross it each day? People come back to see laid-back stuff and they get extra for their money,” he said. Ricardo Sosa, who brought his balancing act to South Africa to help President Nelson Mandela celebrate his birthday, is also coming to Bluffton to join in next week’s circus. “We have sword balancing, trapeze artists, a trampoline act, a Russian swing, a performing American buffalo and a horseback-riding dog… as well as clowns,” said Andrea Murray, a local coordinator for the event. Around 11 a.m. on Monday, the Zerbini troupe will arrive and begin to set up the big top, transforming Eagles baseball field. The public is invited. The show will bring the community together and help raise funds for the Eagles, according to Bluffton Town Councilman Fred Hamilton, chairman of the Eagles Field Action Committee. “I’m excited for it for Bluffton,” Hamilton said. “We have such a diverse community and … Eagles Field having the space to accommodate this will make a lot of kids and families happy. This also gives a whole new definition of what the property can to, to bring families together and at the same time help to be a fundraiser for future activities.” Dupree said he likes the fact that Zerbini doesn’t promote the regular circus animals such as elephants, lions and tigers. Treatment of some animals in circuses is an ongoing issue, with many major circuses having received multiple citations for improper care under the Animal Welfare Act or from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Alain Zerbini’s circus used to lease animals from the Hawthorne Corporation, among those cited for failure to provide veterinary care and handle animals in a way that prevents trauma and harm, while UniverSoul Circus leased its animals from exhibitors that were cited for failing to meet minimal federal standards for the care of animals used in exhibition as established in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Dupree said that Zerbini owns the exotic animals that appear in his shows, and said Zerbini runs his circus and treats his animals with integrity. “Elephants, I feel, belong with their family,” said Dupree, whose Blumpin’ Big Show Circus is animal-free. Murray said in 12 years with circuses, she only saw animals treated well. “From my experience in the circuses, the trainers take very good care of the animals. All I see is the elephants getting their bath, them filing their nails before a show, and I’m like ‘Can somebody scrub me down? It’s been a positive experience for the animals that I’ve seen.’” The animals at the Bluffton circus will include Tatanaka, the “only performing American buffalo,” camels, and dogs, Murray said. “Let (the community) know they are more than welcome to come watch the reconstruction of Eagles baseball field turned into a circus,” Murray said.

George Brinton Beal #1 (From Buckles)

Scan13166, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. More pictures from the stuff I bought at the Circus Swap Meet in 1995 at the Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Included were 40 or 50 pictures bearing a blue stamp stating "George Brinton Beal- Circus Photograph". Other than the subject matter the pictures aren't very good and havn't held up well. For some reason this picture was labeled "Wallace Bros. 1941". Maybe just a slip since the year looks to be about right. These are three former Al G. Barnes elephants "Big Babe", "Tony" and "Josky".

George Brinton Beal #2

Scan13165, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. RBBB 1941 "Puqua" and "Sudan"

George Brinton Beal #3

Scan13167, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. RBBB 1943

George Brinton Beal #4

Scan13168, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. RBBB 1944 Dom Yodice might let us know if Mr. Beal has the right year.

George Brinton Beal #5

Scan13170, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. RBBB 1944 I wonder if that's George Smith standing at left?

George Brinton Beal #6

Scan13171, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. 1944 Changing of the Guard.

George Brinton Beal #7

Scan13169, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

George Brinton Beal #8

Scan13172, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. These last four pictures are undated but appear to be from the 1930's.

George Brinton Beal #9

Scan13173, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

George Brinton Beal #10

Scan13174, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Charming back yard scene however my wife always admonished me or the kids about sitting in our wardrobe even in the dressing room. I'm surprised Mr. Bradna is letting these ladies get away with it here.

George Brinton Beal #11

Scan13175, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Barnum Show #1 (From Buckles)

Scan13160, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Sheet Music.

Barnum Show #2

Scan13163, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Of course P.T. Barnum had nothing to do with this show, in fact they were rivals but in order to make the numbers match I beg your understanding. Australian Program: Display 2- The trained elephant "Titania" introduced and performed by Prof. George W. Johnson. ("Betsy's" stage name) In Melbourne the big top was 135' round with one 50' middle piece. This was the first American circus to tour Australia, W.W. Cole went over in 1880 and Sells Bros. in 1891.

Barnum Show #3

Scan13146, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Barnum Show #4

Scan13164, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Written on this post card: First stand of 1900. April 15th to May 13th 1900. According to my route book it's Hamburg, Germany.

Barnum Show #5

Scan13158, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. My dad wrote on the back: Barnum & Bailey- Olympia, London Eng. 1899 John O'Brien's 40 Horse Grand Carousel.

Barnum Show #6

Scan13161, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Barnum Show #7

Scan13140, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. You will notice that clowns were included in this "generally useful" number. My dad said that as a child he saw one that included an Uncle Sam as well as a Hattie McDaniel type "Mammy" running down the ramp.

Barnum Show #8

B&B lady clown 1895, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. B&B lady clown 1895

Barnum Show #9

baseball, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Barnum Show #10

Scan13162, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. I wore an outfit similar to this with Big Apple.

Reverse Side

Scan13165, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Barnum Show #11

Scan13159, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. I think this P.M. McClintock Collection picture best shows the scope and size of the show Mr. Bailey took to Europe. You can even see the side show canvas crew ragging out the top. The cook house at right slightly resembles the Kelly-Miller big top. The menagerie at left has to be a 150 footer, you can imagine the gilded parade cages spotted inside. The banner line being half masted allows us to glimpse another tremendous crowd awaiting entry.

From Daryl Hoffman #1

DSC_3017, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Two Baby Elephants in Five Months at the Houston Zoo! Tupelo, an Asian elephant born Sunday, October 3 at the Houston Zoo’s McNair Asian Elephant Habitat is about to nurse for the first time, assisted by the Zoo’s elephant care team. Her mother, Tess is standing behind her. Tupelo weighed 273 pounds at birth. Tess, a 29 year old Asian elephant, delivered a healthy 273 pound female calf Sunday evening at the Houston Zoo’s McNair Asian Elephant Habitat. The calf has been named Tupelo by the Zoo’s elephant care team. Tupelo’s birth is the second Asian elephant birth at the Houston Zoo since May 4th, when 19 year old Shanti delivered a male calf, Baylor. Thailand, the Houston Zoo’s 44 year old Asian bull elephant, is the father of both Baylor and Tupelo. Attended by the Houston Zoo’s elephant care team and assisted by the Zoo’s veterinary staff, Tess delivered Tupelo at 7:38 p.m. Sunday, October 3. Tupelo was nursing approximately 4 hours later. “This has been an incredible year for the elephant team at the Houston Zoo,” said Large Mammal Curator Daryl Hoffman. “Elephant births in zoos are rare with maybe 3 or 4 a year. To have two births in a span of 4 months speaks volumes about the caliber of care the Houston Zoo provides for the elephants that live here,” added Hoffman. The Houston Zoo’s elephant care team will keep Tess and Tupelo under a 24-hour watch for the next few weeks. The barn at the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat is temporarily closed to the public, but it will reopen after the elephant care team can see signs that Tupelo and Tess are bonding and comfortable. The Houston Zoo’s elephant care team, veterinary staff and a core group of Zoo volunteers have been monitoring Tess closely for the past 11 months. The routine intensified over the past 12 weeks, with regular ultrasounds to monitor the baby’s health and blood work to gauge the mother’s progesterone level. Throughout the delivery, Tess was attended by the entire elephant care team and assisted by Zoo veterinarians and Zoo veterinary technicians. More than 50 volunteers and Zoo staff began a seven-day a week, 24-hour birth watch in August. Utilizing a state-of-the art closed-circuit television system, the birth watch team observed and documented Tess’ behavior. When blood tests indicated Tess’ progesterone level had fallen to a low baseline level, Zoo veterinarians and members of the elephant care team remained at the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat around the clock watching for indications that labor might begin at any moment.

From Daryl Hoffman #2

DSC_2919, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

1940 RBBB Program #8 (From Eric Beheim)

1940 RBBB Program-8, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Merle Evans rated a feature article in the 1940 program titled “Chords and Cues.” The program also printed the titles contained in the “Musical Program – Season of 1940,” an impressive list of old overtures, selections from operas, operettas, and hit musical comedies, etc. These were, in fact, the selections that Evans and the big show band drew upon for their center ring concerts prior to the start of the performance, and were not the selections actually used during the performance. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1940 RBBB Program #9

1940 RBBB Program-9, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Another Bob Wallace photo showing Gargantua (who, according to the photo’s caption, had kept his back to the camera for an hour before allowing himself to be photographed.)

1940 RBBB Program #10

1940 RBBB Program-10, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The 1940 program included an article on Madeleine Park, an internationally-known animal sculptor to whom the Circus granted up-close access to its animals in Madison Square Garden, so she could model them in clay. (I wonder what the current management’s reaction would be if she showed up and asked to model the animals?)

1940 RBBB Program #11

1940 RBBB Program-11, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. (The camel is identified as “Angus.”)

1940 RBBB Program #12

1940 RBBB Program-12, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Among the ads in the 1940 program were a few with specific tie-ins to the Circus. This one for General Motors Diesel generators now has great historical value.

1940 RBBB Program #13

1940 RBBB Program-13, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. A 1940 ad for Wheaties (back when a product endorsement from a circus performer actually carried some weight with the general public.)

1940 RBBB Program #14

1940 RBBB Program-14, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. This concludes our presentation.

From Buckles

SAVE0477, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

1940 RBBB Program #1 (From Eric Beheim)

1940 RBBB Program-1, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The cover of the 1940 Ringling-Barnum souvenir program featured that year’s new (and at the time controversial) blue big top. It is my understanding that the decision to make it blue was so that the show’s innovative new lighting effects would come through at the matinee performances. According to Joe Bradbury, many people continued to express a preference for the traditional white canvas. An article that appeared in the June 1, 1940 issue of BILLBOARD had a typical reaction: “Personally, I don’t like the dark blue and rosette big top. It isn’t circus and if the management’s idea in ‘coloring’ it was to make it artistic that purpose has been defeated for it is gloomy despite the spotlights and other lighting effects.” After Aunt Edith and Cousin Robert took control of the show in 1943, they went back to using white canvas. Incidentally, the 15 cents it took to buy this program 70 years ago is equivalent to only $2.32 in today’s money. PAY NO MORE!

1940 RBBB Program #2

1940 RBBB Program-2, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. 1940 was the first year that Alfred Court and his animals appeared with the show. (The story of how Court was able to get all of his animals, equipment and personnel out of Europe in 1939 while World War II was aleady underway is covered in his book MY LIFE WITH THE BIG CATS and makes for fascinating reading.) Court and “Prince Damoo” alternated in presenting the center ring act, while May Kovar and Frederic Olsen presented the acts in rings 1 and 3. (The daily meat bill just for Court’s animals alone must have been enormous!)

1940 RBBB Program #3

1940 RBBB Program-3, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Felix Adler poses with “four of the hundreds of lovely girls who appear in the performance.”

1940 RBBB Program #4

1940 RBBB Program-4, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

1940 RBBB Program #5

1940 RBBB Program-5, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The 1940 program featured an article about professional magazine photographer Bob Wallace who also took many famous circus photos.

1940 RBBB Program #6

1940 RBBB Program-6, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Here is one of the Bob Wallace circus photos that appeared in the 1940 program. (I believe this particular one was later adapted into a RBBB program cover in the mid-1960s.)