Al G. Barnes Circus Program 1935 #1

At one time when Mr. Barnes still owned this show, the complete performance was done by animals, an arena remanied in the center ring throughout the performance. He had an extensive menagerie and it was said that everything in it appeared in the show even if it was merely to walk in Spec. In 1935 (now owned by Ringling) it was still thought of as an animal show. The arena remained in the ring through about one third of the performance before it was taken down. After Spec, two aerial acts worked while the chute was being set up and the first act arena act was Capt. Terrell Jacobs and a large group of lions. Two acts later, a three ring display showed elephants and ponies in the each end ring while LaVerne McLain presented a riding tiger on an elephant in the arena. Later another display had hounds and ponies in the end rings and in the arena, Laura Roth was "The dancing girl in the lions' den". No idea what that might be. And finally Display #10 introduced Miss Mabel Stark and her performing tigers, after which the arena was dismantled.

Al G. Barnes Circus Program 1935 #2

Mabel Stark the most famous of all lady tiger trainers.

Al G. Barnes Circus Program 1935 #3

"The Lion King" Terrell Jacobs.

Al G. Barnes Circus Program 1935 #4

This was a full page Coca Cola ad in the program featuring Martin and Asa Johnson whose documentary films were very popular. I'm sure you Elephant Historians know that the Coca Cola Co. owned four young elephants in Atlanta which they used for publicity, they later sold them to Downie Bros. Circus in 1934 where they were named "Marian", "Addie", "Cora" and "Inez" and were thereafter always referred to as the "Coke bulls", ("Addie" was named after Addie Sparks the show owners wife but for some reason, over the years it turned into "Hattie".) Maybe Richard Reynolds could make mention of them since he an Atlanta native.

Al G. Barnes Circus Program 1935 #5

This is a nice picture of the classic circus tent carried with a 30 car railroad show, 150' across with 50' between the center poles. This size seemed to be perfect to accomodate flying acts, steel arenas and a track big enough for Hippodrome races but most importantly allow space for enough seating to show a profit. Oscar Cristiani once told me that in the 1950's the Cristiani Bros. Circus did very well with a smaller tent but vanity dictated that they get a 150 since that was the size the Beatty Show used (their chief competetor). He said he had to admit that the new tent was a beauty but was dismayed to learn after all the money had been spent, someone pointed out that the Beatty Show top was a full 150 whereas theirs was only a short 150. Maybe Johnny Walker or Erik Jaeger could explain the difference.

Cole Bros. Circus 1935/ Bumpsy Anthony

Another Bumpsy picture from my collection. Thus one is unique since it includes the big African elephant "Safari" purchased from the Detroit Zoo and featured as "Jumbo II".

Don Curtis pictures #1

As I'm sure you know, Don Curtis is our CFA President-Elect and I had the pleasure of dining with him and his lovely wife Ann a few months ago in Sarasota. At the time he mentioned that his parents had Bumpsy Anthony to dinner one evening back in the 40's and his father took these pictures afterward in his studio.

Don Curtis pictures #2

Since these pictures of Bumpsey are shown in "full front" and "profile" fashion they come across as Mug Shots in a way which adds to the humor. He and Happy Kellems looked the same in street clothes as they did in makeup. I was talking on the phone yesterday to a friend who was on the Ringling Show during the time after the Felds bought the show. He said Bumpsy applied for a job but was turned over to a bean counter and told he would have to audition first and he walked away.

Don Curtis pictures #3

These are my kind of clown gags, nothing has to be explained, direct and to the point. It would be just as funny today but I doubt they could walk around in that outfit for 15 or 20 minutes. Maybe they could get paid by the mile. This is Cole Bros. Circus in the 1940's but it must have been prior to 1944 or I would have remembered them. I do remember this lot tho, the Mode O Day building in the background identifies it as the Washington and Hill lot in LA.

Don Curtis pictures #4

Identified as Al G. Barnes-Sells Floto, it would have been taken in the late 1930's. Neither the aerialist or the clowns are known to me.

From Darlene

A man of many talents as seen here on the Beatty Show. I remember in the early 60's when Rex was the catcher in a flying act on Howard Suesz Show. Seems like the flyers were Joanne Day and Wally Naughten. The only thing was, Rex would never give up on a trick, whether by two hands, one hand or both ears, you were caught.

Dave Garoway TV Show/ Mid 1950's

Taken at the Sarasota Circus Hall of Fame. This is Rex with two of the Norma Cristiani elephants that later went to the Beatty Show. The name on the breast strap appears to be "Conti".

Out of control!

Eva, Dale and Barbara with Mr. V at one of those California parties. I talked to Dale just the other day and he said the occeasion was Cliff's house warming party and Dale had asked a photographer to take his picture with the ladies and just as he began to take it Cliff came running across the room yelling "Hold it!", "Hold it!" and jumped in front.

Clyde Beatty Circus 1967

This was taken on the Beatty Show lot by Jimmy Cole in Meridian, Miss. I have sent it out many times before but I like it a lot.

Rex Williams

I think this is the other picture Darlene is referring to.

From his daughter Darlene

Rex was a "can-do" guy, no problem he couldn't handle. I always said that if God came down from Heaven and gave him a week to build a rocket to the moon he would get it done somehow. I don't think he had an enemy in the world and I never heard him knock anyone, it just wasn't in his make up. This is a wonderful picture and I'm glad his many friends will get a chance to see it.

Circus Vargas

Received this from Rex Williams daughter Darlene and decided to send it out tonight since there's no way to know how the computer will work in the morning. To the best of her memory, on the left side were "Betty Boop", "Tusko", "Judy", "Katie" and "Lottie'. Eva Willians on the center elephant "Joe" and on the right side "Reed" (ridden by Darlene), "Hattie", "Gardner", "Gypsy" and "McLain". Of course in front astride "Yankee" is Rex Williams. She didn't include a date. By clicking on the picture it will enlarge a bit.

Fred J. Mack Circus 1955 #1

I always tend to think of the past in black and white and what a surprise to see what a nice looking show this was.

Fred J. Mack Circus 1955 #2

Fred J. Mack Circus 1955 #3

Frankie Lou Woods with "Jessie" owned by R.A. Miller. This was John Cuneo's first elephant and trained by Joe Frisco Sr. she was later with Hoxie Bros. Circus and finally with George Carden. She must be about 60 now. Frankie Lou was with Kelly-Miller for many years, in fact I remember a story Blackie Woods used to tell that after one of their early seasons, the Millers were short on the final pay day. Blackie said that over the following winter he would a receive a letter from Obert with a few dollars in cash until the full amount was paid, $18.