Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Hugo Schmitt #13
This picture taken by Harry Quillen in 1958. |
Monday, June 04, 2012
From Jim Zajicek
Buckles |
Sunday, June 03, 2012
"Suzie" #1
Norman "Luke" Anderson bought this elephant (probably from Goebel) in 1956 while he was operating out of Norco, Calif. and then hired Wally Ross to train her. |
Woodcock' Elephants #1
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Norman and my dad were good friends and when he decided to sell "Suzie" they made a deal and she was delivered to the Tex Carson Circus late in 1957 where the Woodcock Elephants were booked that season. I was away in the Army at the time and missed all this but Norman later told me that the colonel yelled, "Babe! have you got $3,500 in that grouch bag?" simple as that. My dad said he therefore felt obligated to change the name from "Suzie" to "Sadie". |
Woodcock's Elephants #2
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Here's my folks in the Hugo Quarters with "Sadie" placed out front. I always liked the opening of this routine since the first three tricks done without having to circle the ring and line up after each trick. Sometimes in a display the time was shortened. |
Woodcock's Elephants #3
All three would then step down off the tubs and go into head stands pointing different directions. |
Woodcock's Elephants #4
After the head-stands all three backed into tub sit-ups so they had completed three tricks without any stalls between. |
Woodcock's Elephants #5
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After our tramp dog "Charlie" charged in and did a sit-up, "Sadie" would roll up into a ground sit-up while the other two in the background did hind leg stands with locked trunks. My dad called this the "handshake", a trick I would use many times over the years. |
Woodcock's Elephants #7
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"Anna May", "Lydia" and "Sadie" in 1959. I started working the act when I returned from the Army. |
Woodcock's Elephants #8
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1960 with a new cast of characters. Ben thought it was great when I informed him he had replaced a dog. |
Saturday, June 02, 2012
Tonight's The Night! #1
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John and Mary Ruth Herriott will be honored tonight within the very confines this hallowed picture was taken years ago. Doors at 5 O'Clock (liquid refreshments available) Dinner at 7 O'Clock. Followed by comments and words of wisdom from celebrated guests. |
Friday, June 01, 2012
From Mark Rosenthal
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An 1895 guidebook from the Belle Vue Zoological Gardens in England. CREDIT: Smithsonian Institution Libraries Multi-person elephant rides, orangutans eating from fine china, and carnivores on display before becoming extinct are just some of the scenes from an online exhibit of vintage zoo pamphlets being featured by the Smithsonian Institution. |
From Buckles #1
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Written on the Back: "From Strobridge Catalog Printed for "Burmah", a Theatrical Troupe in 1894." Bill Woodcock Sr. |
From Buckles #2
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Written on the back: "Madam Yucca, strong woman (arrow) on platform. Main had wagon Show in 1890 and was the youngest manager at 22, he is shown at left. Yucca is misspelled in the picture. Followed by this comment : "This appears to be an Oriental Show with a Carnival, not a circus Side Show. The Main show was still on wagons in 1890 and this doesn't this look like a mud show frame up." Bill Woodcock Sr. |
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