Finding aid of the Ralph Rodgers and Percy Turner Circus collection

Summary Information
Biographical Note: Percy Turner
Biographical Note: Ralph Rodgers
Scope and Content
Administrative Information
Related Materials
Controlled Access Headings
Collection Inventory: Circus Model Building; Correspondence; Publications; Subject Files; Clippings; Photographs; Audio-Visual Materials; Ephemera; Artifacts; Costumes and Textiles

Finding aid prepared by Jacqueline Morin, 2012

Summary Information

Repository: USC Libraries Special Collections
Creator: Rodgers, Ralph
Creator: Turner, Percy, 1907-1984
Title: Ralph Rodgers and Percy Turner Circus collection
Collection no.: 0388
Date: 1930s-1980s
Extent: 76.0 Linear feet, 71 boxes, 2 metal trunks
Language: English
Abstract: The Ralph Rodgers and Percy Turner Circus Collection documents the collective interests of a circus model builder/ miniature circus owner and a real circus owner who became friends and whose circus memorabilia ended up with a mutual friend who donated them to USC. The collection contains ephemera, correspondence, photographs, books, records, costumes, and a large amount of circus model plans and drawings kept by Ralph Rodgers. A portion of the collection represents the history of the Percy Turner Circus, one of the first circuses owned by an African-American based in the southern California area.

Preferred Citation

[Box/folder# or item name], Ralph Rodgers and Percy Turner Circus collection, Collection no. 0388, Regional History Collection, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California

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Biographical Note: Percy Turner

The Turner Brothers Circus (aka Turner Brothers Dog and Pony show) was created by Percy Turner in 1958. (There are Articles of Incorporation for the Turner Bros. Dog and Pony Show showing a date of June 5, 1959.)

Percy Turner was, by trade, a sign painter in the area of San Diego, California. He and his family had always wanted to have their own circus, so in 1959 they formed their own. They found a local "angel" who was willing to bankroll them. They leased the animals through some contact Turner had in the Paul Eagles Circus Luncheon Club up in Los Angeles. They had a lion, a tiger, two ocelots, an elephant, and several camels. There were clowns, acrobats, a high-wire artist, a dog act and horses, but the Turner family were the only Black members of the troupe. Percy and his wife Joy said that they had never had any Black applicants for jobs in their circus.

The Turners left their successful sign-painting business in Pacific Beach to tour the California coast and were widely successful with audiences. Unfortunately, they had no circus experience and the show was forced to close after they discovered their advance agent was skimming the profits. (Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 24 Feb 1998.) Percy Turner went back to sign painting and later lettered some trucks for Circus Vargas when they were in Southern California. Percy Turner kept hoping to find someone else who could provide the financial means to allow him to take out another circus, but his failing health and increased costs prevented him from ever touring again. And though the Turner Bros. Circus officially closed for good on July 4, 1959, Percy and Joy Turner continued to entertain their friends "circus-style"--erecting the cookhouse tent in the backyard for all their local fans, surrounded by the remnants of the dog and pony show that were in various states of repair around the sign shop. Percy Turner died in 1984.

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Biographical Note: Ralph Rodgers

Ralph Rodgers, whose "day job" was as a gas service man for San Diego Gas & Electric, was an avid circus model builder and lifelong circus devotee. He spent his lifetime learning about the circus, following all the circuses--figuratively and later literally-- and becoming friends with many of the well-known circus performers and clowns of the day, many of whom were also model-builders.

Ralph Rodgers' wife, Mary Ann, was supportive of her husband's hobby and also worked with him and attended conventions with him. They had four sons: Patrick, Kevin, Michael, and John-- all of whom had model circuses named after them. The circuses were created in the Rodgers' backyard in El Cajon and reflected Ralph's desire to preserve the form and spirit of the circus during its heyday of the 1920s and 30s.

When Ralph Rodgers passed on in 2006, his sons tried for about a year to place the main Rodgers Bros. circus in a museum. They contacted all of the circus museums in the United States in addition to a couple of circus model museums, but could not generate any interest in their father's circuses. They speculate that one of the reasons may be the sheer number of circus model builders that existed at one time, although the numbers have dwindled like most hobby crafts have.

Michael Rodgers also mentioned that when he and his brothers were growing up, they visited many circus model builders conventions and saw many of the model circuses of their father's friends such as Jim Parker. Many of the models and circuses they saw were "picture perfect" and looked more factory manufactured than the circuses that Ralph Rodgers built out of chiefly "found" materials. Since he was a serviceman for the San Diego Gas and Electric Company, his job afforded him many opportunities to enter vacated homes to check the gas lines and also salvage materials that could be used to build his circuses. For example, the majority of the older circus wagons were constructed from wooden Venetian blinds. Rodgers built all his wagons and train cars from found wood; he also carved all his own circus people and most of the animals. He fashioned the wagon hardware and other parts from tin coffee cans. He would paint toothpaste tube caps, put wire handles on them, and--voila--water buckets. Every year for two weeks in the spring (rain or shine), Rodgers and his sons would set up the circus in the backyard for all the neighborhood kids, dogs, cats, etc. to enjoy and so, over time, the circus took on the look of a working circus. Though some model builders looked down on Rodgers' creations, the model builders who were also "real" circus people admired and appreciated how realistic the Rodgers circuses were.

When the Rodgers sons failed to find an appropriate museum or host for their father's circus, they chose to honor their father's wish-- which was to take it to the desert and burn it if no one wanted it as one complete circus. The circus filled a 10' x 24' storage unit and, while the family did not actually take it out to the desert and burn it, they met at the home of Michael Rodgers along with their nieces and nephews and divided up what they wanted to keep. Then they burned the rest of the stuff while toasting their father through the night, thus folding up the Big Top for the last time.

Images of Rodgers' circus can be viewed online at: http://dreamingincircus.com/media/rr-circus/rr-circus.htm

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Scope and Content

The collection is comprised chiefly of Ralph Rodgers' circus memorabilia and materials related to circus model building. In addition to articles, newsletters, instructions, and photos on model building, Rodgers' own drawings, notes, and photographs are included in the papers. His correspondence with well-known circus performers such as Diamond Jim Parker and John Strong document his close ties to the circus world where he formed many long-lasting friendships. A small portion of the collection relates to Percy Turner, a friend of Ralph Rodgers who had his own circus for a brief time in the 1950s. Rodgers and Turner presumably met through John Strong, a well-known circus performer who had his own circus and is well-represented in this collection's ephemera.

As described in the biographical note on Ralph Rodgers, the large circus artifacts--the actual circuses-- were dismantled and divided up among Rodgers' sons and their families after his death. Fortunately, there are many photographs in this collection which document Rodgers' own miniature circuses as well as the circuses he worked with during the months that he "ran away to join the circus" in his fifties.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

USC Libraries Special Collections
2012
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California, 90089-0189
213-740-5900
specol@usc.edu

Conditions Governing Access

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Acquisition

Donated to USC by Duncan Smith in 2010. Duncan Smith was a friend of both Ralph Rodgers and Percy Turner.

Processing Note

This collection was processed with the assistance of Tiffany Chu.

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Related Materials

Separated Materials

Six boxes of books were included in the donation of this collection. They have been separated from the archival materials to be catalogued individually, but kept together as a donor-based collection. They include both adult and children's books on circuses and circus-related topics.

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Controlled Access Headings

Corporate Name(s)

Big Apple Circus. -- Archives
Circus Model Builders International. -- Archives
Circus World Museum (Baraboo, Wis.). -- Archives
Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus. -- Archives
Cole Bros. Circus. -- Archives
Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. -- Archives
Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Combined Shows. -- Archives
Sells-Floto Circus. -- Archives
Wenatchee Youth Circus. -- Archives

Genre(s)

Audiotapes
Clippings
Correspondence
Costumes (character dress)
Drawings
Ephemera
Magazines (periodicals)
Phonograph records
Photographs
Postcards
Posters
Slides (photographs)
Videotapes

Geographic Name(s)

La Jolla (San Diego, Calif.)--History--Archival resources

Personal Name(s)

Evans, Merle -- Correspondence
Hayden, Robert, Dr. -- Archives
Jacobs , Lou, 1903-1992 -- Correspondence
Kreischer, Lou -- Correspondence
MacDougall, Robert -- Correspondence
Parker, Jim, 1938-2003 -- Archives
Posey, Jake, b. 1863 -- Correspondence
Rodgers, Ralph -- Archives
Strong, John, d. 1992 -- Correspondence
Turner, Percy, 1907-1984 -- Archives
Wallenda, Karl -- Archives

Subject(s)

African American business enterprises--California--San Diego--Archival resources
Amusements--California--History--Archival resources
Circus wagons--Archival resources
Circus--California--La Jolla--20th century--Archival resources
Circus--California--Lakeside--20th century--Archival resources
Circus--California--Los Angeles--20th century--Archival resources
Circus--Florida--Sarasota--20th century--Archival resources
Clowns--Archival resources
Popular culture--California, Southern--History--20th century--Archival resources

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Collection Inventory

Series 1: Circus Model Building Scope and Content This series is the heart of the Ralph Rodgers and Percy Turner Circus collection as it consists of the illustrations, notes, diagrams, etc. of Ralph Rodgers himself in the making of his miniature circuses.
Notes, Plans, and Drawings Scope and Content This subseries consists of Ralph Rodgers' own notes and drawings for his model circuses. Many of the diagrams have mathematical calculations related to size and scale of the wagons, tents, people, etc in the miniature circuses.		Box 1, 2, 3, 57
Publicity Scope and Content This small subseries contains flyers and other ephemera advertising the Rodgers Bros. Circus.		Box 3
Plans & Instructions Scope and Content This subseries consists of printed circus model plans and instructions-- some commercial and some drawn by other individuals and photocopied. They consist of construction plans for circus wagons, cages, audience seating, and complete circuses.		Box 4
Ephemera Scope and Content This subseries consists of ephemera related to Ralph Rodgers' hobby as a circus model builder--particularly stencils, signs, and logos he used for the models, as well as receipts he kept from purchases he made at hobby stores and other places.		Box 4, 58
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Series 2: Correspondence Scope and Content This series is comprised of correspondence between Ralph Rodgers and his friends and family, as well as a small amount of buisness and professional items. At least half of the letters to Ralph Rodgers are from Jim Parker who was a clown with Ringling Brothers, circus model builder, and close friend of Rodgers. A small amount of the total correspondence consists of letters to other people other than Ralph Rodgers.
Letters to Ralph Rodgers Scope and Content This subseries consists of two boxes of correspondence to Ralph Rodgers and a few items addressed to both Ralph and Mary Ann (his wife). Some of it is business-related such as form letters from the Circus Hall of Fame and the Chamber of Commerce in Peru, Indiana. One folder contains thank-you notes from school groups and other organizations who "toured" Ralph Rodgers' miniature circus in his back yard in El Cajon, California. The bulk of the series, however, consists of personal correspondence from friends--mainly other circus enthusiasts--including "Diamond Jim" Parker, a fellow model-builder-- but also a famous clown and circus historian who kept in frequent contact with Rodgers.
	Box	Folder
Al G Barnes Ring Scope and Content Circus Model Builders	5	1
Allstate 1997	5	2
Amend, Rege 2002	5	3
Borders, Gordon 1958-1964	5	4
Burger, Bill 2001	5	4-B
Caldwell, Jim 1932-1991 Scope and Content "Load Lists"	5	5
Carnival 2003	5	6
Carson and Barnes 1959-1997	5	7
Carver, Gordon 1971-2002	5	8
Circus Chimera	5	9
Circus Hall of Fame 1998-2002 Scope and Content Peru, Indiana	5	10
Circus Vargas 1981	5	11
Circus World Museum	5	12
Clown College 23 July 1976	5	12-B
Cook, Russell E. 6 November 1960	5	12-C
Dean, Frank 1981	5	13
Evans, Merle 15 May	5	13-B
Ghirard, Kent	5	14
Greeting Cards	5	15
Hayden, Robert "Doc" 1982-2002	5	16
Heist, Walter G. 13 February 1958	5	16-B
Houck, Ralph and Fay	5	16-C
Klos, Walter	5	17
MacDougall, Bob & Pauline 1982-2006	5	18
McMurray, Dean	5	19
Miller, Kenneth 1977	5	20
Miscellaneous Thank-you Notes	5	21
Moreland, Eugene 1973	5	22
Parker, Jim (1960s) 1960s	5	23
Parker, Jim (1970s part 1) 1970s	5	24
Parker, Jim (1970s part 2) 1970s	5	25
Parker, Jim (1980s) 1980s	6	1
Parker, Jim (1990s) 1990s	6	2
Parker, Jim (2000s) 2000s	6	3--3-B
Parker, Jim (dates unknown)	6	4
Pat Kelly Ring 2006	6	5
Reproductions	6	6
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1967-1982	6	7
Rodgers, Kevin	6	8
Ralph Rodgers to Family 1978-1979	6	9
Ralph Rodgers to Jim Parker 2002	6	9-B
Rodgers Family	6	10
Rounds, Frank 2003	6	10-B
Russell, Ed 6 December 1968	6	10-C
Smith, Duncan & Irene 18 October 1977	6	11
Southern Sawdust 1962	6	12
Turner Bros. Circus 1977 Scope and Content Irene & Duncan Smith Joy & Percy Turner	6	13
Waldon, Tony 1980-1985	6	14
Miscellaneous	6	15
Other Letters Scope and Content This subseries consists of letters to other recipients from many different people, including Ralph Rodgers himself. Many of the letters from Ralph Rodgers are those to his wife and son in the late 1970s when he "took off to join the circus." In them, he describes the daily activities of the circuses with which he associated as well as his homesickness and love for his wife, "Baby Doll." Most of the other letters are to clown Lou Kreischer from several different people including renown clowns Mark Anthony and Lou Jacobs.
	Box	Folder
To Buck from Russel Tully 1958 Scope and Content Circus Model Builders	7	1
To Dave Fulwiler from U.S. Naval Hospital, San Diego 1967 Scope and Content Lou Kreischer Clowns	7	2
To Lou Kreischer from Tim 1980	7	3
To Lou Kreischer from Mark Anthony 1974	7	4
To Lou Kreischer from Merle Evans 1966	7	5
To Lou Kreischer from Lou Jacobs 1969-1972	7	6
To Lou Kreischer from Elsie Jung 18 May 1965 Scope and Content Note from aerialist and equestrian Elsie Jung thanking Kreischer for his condolences regarding the death of her husband, noted clown Paul Jung. (Jung was found murdered in his hotel room during a Ringling Brothers engagement at Madison Square Garden in April 1965).	7	7
To Lou Kreischer from Jake Posey 1953	7	8
To Lou Kreischer from Richard Rouse (Mother Goose Parade Assoc.) 1973	7	9
To Lou Kreischer from M.L. Snyder 1967	7	10
To Lou Kreischer- Misc. 1970	7	11
To Lou Kreischer and Andy Kennedy from Edgemoor Employee's Club 1967	7	12
To Zula Ralph from Various 1940s Scope and Content This folder contains documents and ephemera pertaining to Zula Ralph, all dated in the 1940s. There is a letter from the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America asking "Mr. and Mrs. Ralph" for the address of their son, James G. Ralph. Also included in this folder are several letters and applications from the San Diego County Department of Public Welfare, a letter from the American Red Cross, and several greeting cards.	7	13
To Percy Turner from Ralph Rodgers 1976 Scope and Content Short note to Percy Turner from Ralph Rodges with Turner's check being returned to him with "thanks"-- but they didn't really need the money for the dinner that they had.	7	14
To Mr. Shields from Robert Good 1955	7	15
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Series 3: Publications Scope and Content This series consists of magazines, souvenir programs, coloring books, newsletters, etc. arranged alphabetically, mostly by name of circus. Newspapers are included in the series "Clippings."
		Box
Aahmes Shrine Circus 1951		8
Al G. Barnes and Sells-Floto 1938		8
Al G. Barnes Big 4 Ring Wild Animal Circus		8
Al Kader Shrine Circus 1953, 1956, 1957		8
Al Kelly & Miller Bros. Circus 1963, 88		8
American Circus Calendar 1990-2006		8
American Circus Posters 1978		14
American International 3-Ring Circus		8
American Youth 1974		8
Amusement Business 1963-71		8
Animal-Book		8
Animal Kingdom Oct/Nov 1974		8
Argosy 1961, 1962		8
Atlas of World History 1997		8
Bandwagon 1946 - 2005		8, 22, 23
Barnes Bros. Circus 1948		8
The Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth - Libretto		8
Beckmann & Geretty Shows 1940s		8
Beggs Wagon Co.		8
Bentley Bros. Circus 1989		8
Big Apple Circus 2002-2003		8
Big International 3 Ring		8
Big John Strong Circus		8
The Billboard 1941		8
Bolshoi Circus 1970		8
Book of Spiels and Stunt Promoter		8
Boys Life Nov 1981		8
Buffalo Bill's Wild West 1971		8
Collier's July 20, 1941		8
Canadian International 3-Ring Circus		8
Canadian Tire Presents Gong Gong		21
Carousel 1975-2001		8
Carson & Barnes Circus		8
Circo Atayde Hnos. 1964, 1966		8
Circo Union 1938		8
Circus!		8
Circus America		8
Circus Coloring Book		8
Circus Hall of Fame		8
Circus Life in Pictures		8
Circus Model Builders 1960, 1968		8
The Circus Modeler Sept - Oct 1945		8
The Circus Monthly Illustrated Sept 1, 1961		9
Circus Report 1972-2004		9
Circus Review 1953, 1956, 1957		9
Circus Trains Trucks & Models		9
Circus Vargas 1976-95		9
Circus World Museum 1963-93		9-11
Circus World Museum- calendar		14
Classic Toy Trains Nov 2004		10
Climax Jan 1961		10
Clown Alley 1955		10
Clown Calendar 1969		10
Clyde Beatty Circus 1961-		10
Clyde Beatty - Cole Bros. Circus 1936-2003		10
Cole Bros. Circus 1939-2004		10
Cristiani Bros. Circus		10
The Desert Song 1948		10
Echo April 1964		10
Edgewater Beach Hotel 1960		10
Egypt Temple Shrine Circus 1994		10
Emmett Kelly, Jr. Calendar 1990, 1993, 1995 Scope and Content Three color calendars featuring famous clown, Emmett Kelly, Jr.		35
Esquire July 1971		10
Eugene Shrine Club Polack Bros. Circus 1955, 1958		10
Focus on the Family 2002		10
Ford Truck Times 1973		10
Franzen Bros. Circus Coloring Book 1984		21
Friends 1953		10
Gauge Rail-Roading		10
Gibsonton Circus 1989, 91		10
Good Old Days July 1990		10
Great American Circus 1989		10
Great Circus Parade		10
The Great Moscow Circus 1994-1995		10
Grotto Circus 1954-1956		10
Guideposts July 1983		10
Holiday July 1950		15
Home & Highway 1954		10
Hoxie Bros. Circus 1980		10
International 3-Ring Circus 1976-80		10
[Japanese Publications]		10, 15
Jungleland Coloring Book		10
Kaye Bros. Indoor Circus		10
King Bros Circus 1947, 1950		10
The King O Pole 1957, 1960		10
Kiss me Kate		10
Knie		10
Liberty 1937, 1947		10
Life 1941-1980 Scope and Content 8 April 1946: "Life Visits the Circus in Florida" 9 February 1962: "High Tension, High Wire, Great Wallendas: Will They Make It?" (part by Karl Wallenda) 30 March 1962: "Tiny World of Big Top: A Model Circus That Has Everything" (2 issues) 20 February 1970: "The Funniest College on Earth" by William Zinsser March 1980: "The Mighty Mickey: A Great Old Pro Burlesques It Up On Broadway" by Jim Watters and Gregory Heisler (photographer)		15, 16
The Life of Tom Mix 1936, 1937		10
Lionel 1974		10
Little Circus Wagon 1957-2006		11, 24, 25
Look 1953-1954 Scope and Content 28 July 1953: "Circus Story" 26 January 1954: "Safari" by Ernest Hemingway 29 June 1954: "Circus Girl"		16
LuluTemple Shrine Circus 1942		11
Magic Coloring Book		16
Martin Bros Trained Animal Circus		11
Mechanix Illustrated Aug. 1938		11
Midian Temple's Shrine Circus 1946		11
Mike's Model Shop Calendar 1984		11
MISC. A - B		11
MISC. C		11
MISC. D - I		11
MISC. J - S		12
Model Circus Builders		12
Model Railroader July 1946		12
Mountain Gorillas in the Zoological Garden (San Diego Zoo) 1931-1940		12
National Geographic School Bulletin April 1967		12
National Geographic World Sept. 1982		12
National Wildlife 1974		12
Notre Dame vs. Great Lakes Nov. 3, 1943		12
The Old West May 21, 1990		12
Orange Show 1964		12
Oregon Electric Railway Oct. 23, 1955		12
The Outdoor Showsman 1969		12
The Pickle Family Circus		12
Polack Bros. Circus 1946-1973		12, 16
Polack Bros. Shrine Circus 1943		12
Popular Science 1933, 1937, 1940		12
Picture Post Jan 11, 1947		16
Post 26 October 1963 Scope and Content "Soviet Circus Wows the U.S.A." by Bill Ballantine		16
Railroad April 1956		12
Railroad Magazine 1946		12
Railroad Model Craftsman Sept 1970		12
Readers Digest March 1976		12
Ready Made Signs for Safety		12
The Reithoffer Dynasty circa 1978 Scope and Content 2 copies of "A New Ride Reference Book."		16
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus- Braille Scope and Content 16- page booklet in Braille. Title and description on the front cover: "Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Presents the 100th Edition of THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH, Produced by Irvin Feld and Kenneth Feld, RED UNIT, Embossed by National Brailled Press, Boston Massachusetts."		57
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1936-2005		12, 17-21
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows		12
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows (Calendar) 1987		12
Robbins Bros. Circus with Hoot Gibson 1938		12
Roberts Bros. Circus 1991-1994		19
Royal American Shows		12
Rudy Bros. Circus 1964		12, 19
Russell Bros Big 3-Ring Circus 1942		12
Saga: The Magazine for Men May 1962		12
Sarasota International Circus Festival & Parade 1992-97		12
Sawdust Trail 1949		12
Show Business Illustrated Oct. 1961		12
Showfolks of Sarasota 1978-95		13
Shrine Circus April 1948		13
Shrine Club Polack Bros. Circus 1953		13
Southern Sawdust 1962-79		13
Star Circus Supplies Catalogue		13
Statet Farm Calendar 1973		13
Taronga Park		13
Texaco Calendar 1967, 1972		13
Tom Mix Circus		13
The Train Yard July/August 1992		13
True: the Man's Magazine August 1955		13
Vecko Tournalen		13
Wallace Bros. Circus		13
Wenatchee Youth Circus 1968-77		13
The White Tops 1933-95, 2001-2002		13
Wild West December 1996		13
Wisconsin Dells Territory 1981		13
Yankee Patterson Benefit Circus April, 1941		13
Zooznooz 1964-82		13
0-Gauge Rail-Roading June, 1992		13
101 Ranch Wild West Circus		13
The 1994 Indoor Circus Spectacular		13
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Series 4: Subject Files Scope and Content The files in this series are organized into two chief subseries: by name of circus and by topic. Within each subseries, the files are arranged alphabetically. The circus files contain articles, clippings, ephemera, etc. pertaining to specific circuses such as Clyde Beatty or Ringling Brothers. The subject files consist mainly of articles and ephemera on topics such as circus animals, clowns, etc. There is some overlap with the series called "Clippings" so both series should be consulted if researching a particular circus or topic.
Circus Subject Files
	Box	Folder
Al G. Barnes Circus	26	1
Big John A. Strong Circus	26	2
Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show	26	3
Carson & Barnes Circus	26	4
Circus Vargas	26	5
Clyde Beatty Circus	26	6
Clyde Beatty & Cole Bros. Circus	26	7
Cole Bros. Circus	26	8
Cristiani-Wallace Bros. Circus	26	9
Culpepper & Merriweather Circus	26	10
Europorama	26	11
Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus	26	12
Hoxie Bros. Circus	26	13
Hunt Bros.	26	14
James Bros.	26	15
Kelly & Miller Bros. Circus	26	16
Kreischer Bros. Circus	26	17
King Bros.	26	18
Lewis Bros. Circus	26	19
Mills Bros.	26	20
Moscow Circus	26	21
Pickle Family Circus	26	22
Polack Bros. Circus	26	23
P.T. Barnum	26	24
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (1 of 3)	26	25
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (2 of 3)	26	26
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (3 of 3)	26	27
Roger Bros.	26	28
Sells-Floto Circus	26	29
Shrine Circus	26	30
Turner Bros. (1 of 16)	26	31
Turner Bros. (2 of 16)	26	32
Turner Bros. (3 of 16)	26	33
Turner Bros. (4 of 16)	26	34
Turner Bros. (5 of 16)	26	35
Turner Bros. (6 of 16)	26	36
Turner Bros. (7 of 16)	26	37
Turner Bros. (8 of 16)	26	38
Turner Bros. (9 of 16)	26	39
Turner Bros. (10 of 16)	26	40
Turner Bros. (11 of 16)	26	41
Turner Bros. (12 of 16)	26	42
Turner Bros. (13 of 16)	26	43
Turner Bros. (14 of 16)	26	44
Turner Bros. (15 of 16)	26	45
Turner Bros. (16 of 16)	26	46
Topic Subject Files
	Box	Folder
The American Circus Corporation	26	47
Animals	26	48
Brochures	26	49
Carla Wallenda Fan Club	26	50
Cartoons	26	51
Circus Acts	27	1
Circus Fans Association	27	2
Circus Hall of Fame	27	3
Circus Historical Society	27	4
Circus History	27	5
Circusiana	27	6
Circus Model Builders (1 of 3)	27	7
Circus Model Builders (2 of 3)	27	8
Circus Model Builders (3 of 3)	27	9
Circus Organizations and Societies (Misc.)	27	10
Circus World Museum (1 of 2)	27	11
Circus World Museum (2 of 2)	27	12
Clowns	27	13
Jungleland	27	14
Knott's Berry Farm	27	15
Miniature Carousel Builders (1 of 2) Scope and Content White binder, newsletter titled "Horse Tales"	27	16
Miniature Carousel Builders (2 of 2) Scope and Content White binder, newsletter titled "Horse Tales"	27	17
Miscellaneous	27	18
Old Milwaukee Days	27	19
Peru, Indiana	27	20
Posey, Jake (1 of 5)	27	21
Posey, Jake (2 of 5)	27	22
Posey, Jake (3 of 5)	27	23
Posey, Jake (4 of 5)	27	24
Posey, Jake (5 of 5)	27	25
Ringling Museum	27	26
San Diego	27	27
Tickets- Misc. (A-J)	27	28
Tickets- Misc. (L-W)	27	29
Tickets- Misc. (Single Tickets)	27	30
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Series 5: Clippings Scope and Content This series is comprised of articles, ads, etc. clipped from magazines and newspapers as well as a few entire newspapers such as The Daily Californian (1978, 1986). Like the subject files, the clippings files are organized both by circus and by topic, in additiion to some complete newspapers and several scrapbooks.
Newspapers
		Box
The Daily Californian 14 January 1986 Scope and Content This newspaper is a complete edition, with the front section (and front page) featuring an article on Ralph Rodgers and his miniature circus replicas, part of one which is depicted in a photograph. The second page features a photograph of Ralph Rodgers himself and includes the story of how he, after he retired from San Diego Gas & Electric, actually ran away to the circus for a few months. 3 copies.		28
	Map-case	Drawer
The Morning Oregonian 3 Nov 1905	6	2
	Box	Folder
The Asahigraph 25 Nov 1925 Scope and Content 24- page pictorial newspaper in Japanese with a few English captions.	57	1
Clippings Organized by Circus
		Box
Adam Forepaugh Show		29
Al G. Barnes Circus		29
Al G. Barnes & Sells-Floto Combined Circus 18 & 19 November 1938		29
Al G. Kelly & Miller Bros.		29
Allen Bros. Circus		29
The American Crown Circus 1998		29
Arthur Bros. Circus		29
Barnum & Bailey		29
Barnum's Kaleidoscope 2000 Scope and Content UTC La Jolla Jan 19-Feb 11, 2000 "On the 19th of January Kevin and I searched all over La Jolla Show and never found--think they cancelled the date"		29
Beers-Barnes Circus		29
Bentley Bros. Circus		29
Big Apple Circus 2000 Scope and Content Stage Show May 30-June 4, 2000		29
Big John Strong 1968-1995		29
Campbell Bros. Circus		29
Carla Wallenda Circus		29
Cheval Theatre 4 October 2001 Scope and Content Equestrian Extravaganza! Balboa Park, San Diego, CA		30
		Box
Carson & Barnes Circus 1966-1995		28, 30
Christy Bros. Circus		30
Circus Chimera 2000 Scope and Content Lemon Grove, CO November 1 & 2, 2000 Alpine, CA February 24-26		30
Circus Royale		30
Circus USA		30
Cirque Du Soleil 1987-2004		31
Cirque Eloize 2002 Scope and Content Escondido Performing Arts Center October 24-27, 2002		31
Cirque Ingenicux 1998 Scope and Content San Diego, CA November 25-29, 1998		31
		Box
Circus Vargas 1979-2003		30, 31
Cristiani Bros. Circus Scope and Content San Diego, CA September 4-6, 1958		28, 31
Clyde Beatty Circus		28, 31
Clyde Beatty Railroad Circus 1956		31
Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus 1966-1995		31
Cole Bros. Circus Scope and Content El Mira, NY June 10-?, probably early 1940s		31
Culpepper & Merriweather Circus		31
Downie Bros. Circus		31
Dream Clown Circus 1991		31
Fern Street Circus Scope and Content Balboa Park, San Diego, CA May 27-June 4		31
Franzen Bros. Circus		31
Gainesville Community Circus Scope and Content Texas		31
Golden Bros. Circus		31
Gollman Bros. 1910		31
The Great Moscow Circus 1994 Scope and Content San Diego, CA Wednesday October 12-Sunday October 16, 1994 "A very remarkable show"		31
Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus		31
Hoxie Bros. Circus		31
Hunt Bros.		31
International Circuses		28
Jett's Petting Zoo 1970		31
John A. Strong		28
Jordan International Circus 1993-1995 Scope and Content Lakeside, CO November 3-5, 1995 Al Bahr Shrine		31
Kaye Continental Circus		28, 31
Kelly-Miller Bros. Circus		31
King Bros. Circus		31
Lemon Bros. Circus		31
Liebel's Circus		31
Mighty Haag Circus		31
Miscellaneous Circuses		29, 33
Monroe Bros. Circus		29
Plunket Bros. Circus		31
Polack Bros. Circus		31
Polack Bros. Circus-Rudy Bros. Circus		31
Ralph Rodgers		31
Reid Bros. Circus		31
Rice Bros.-Allen King Circus		31
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1939-2005		29, 33, 34
Robbins Circus 7 October 1938 Scope and Content Tampa, FL		34
Roberts Bros. Circus		34
Roller Bros. Circus		34
Royal American		29
Royal Lipizzan Stallion Show 1970 Scope and Content Sports Arena July 7-9, 1970		34
Russell Bros. 1940s		34
Sells-Floto Circus		34
Sells and Grey Circus		34
Sparks Circus		34
St. Louis Shrine Circus		34
Tom Mix Circus		34
United Nations Circus 20 April 1963 Scope and Content Manchester, GA		34
Vidbel Olde Tyme Circus		34
Wallace Bros. Circus		34
Buffalo Bill's 101 Ranch Wild West Show		34
Zerbini Circus		34
Clippings Organized by Topic
		Box
Accidents		29
Animals		29
African-Americans		29
Amusement Parks		29
Cartoons		29
Circus Animals		29
Circus Ads		29
Circus Bands		29
Circus Memories/History		29
Circus Organizations		29
Circus Pages		29
Circus People		29
Circus Performers		30
Circus Routes		30
Circus Wagons and Trains		30
Clowns		30
Cowboys		30
Festivals and Fairs		30
Hawaii		30
Joining the Circus		30
Jungleland		30
Miscellaneous		30
Miscellaneous (1930s)		30
Miscellaneous (1940s)		30
Models and Model Builders		30
Rodger Bros. Circus		29, 34
Sideshows		30
Wallendas		30
Wild Animal Shows and Parks		30
Women		30
Scrapbooks
A: Al G. Barnes; Al G. Barnes-Sells Floto Scope and Content Wagons, Trucks Wagon Lists, Loading Lists History Tent Info R.R. Cars General Info	Box 35	Binder 1
B: Barnum; Barnum & Bailey Scope and Content Wagons, Trucks Wagon Lists, Loading Lists Parade Lists History Tent Info R.R. Cars General Info	Box 35	Binder 2
D: Dailey Bros.; Downie Bros. Scope and Content Dailey Bros: Wagons, Trucks Wagon Lists, Loading Lists History Tent Info R.R. Cars General Info Downie Bros: Wagons, Trucks Wagon Lists, Loading Lists History Tent Info R.R. Cars General Info Banner Lines	Box 35	Binder 3
R: Robbins Bros. Scope and Content Wagons, Trucks Wagon Lists, Loading Lists History Tent Info R.R. Cars General Info	Box 35	Binder 4
		Box
Newspaper Photographs 1 & 2 Scope and Content Photograph album-style scrapbooks with black pages. Newspaper photos of circus performers and circus scenes from the 1930s.		35
Newspaper Photographs 2		35
Newspaper Photographs 3 1950s-1960s Scope and Content Soft-cover (paper) scrapbook of mainly loose clippings of magazine and newspaper articles and photos. Clippings were kept within the pages of the scrapbook rather than dispersed to clipping files by circus or topic in order to preserve the context and time period in which they were collected.		35
Newspaper Photographs 4 1950s-1960s Scope and Content Soft-cover (paper) scrapbook (missing back cover) containing newspaper photos, ads, and short articles pertaining to the circus. Circuses represented include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Clyde Beatty, Big John Strong, James Bros., King Bros., Cristiani Bros., and Bell Bros.		35
Newspaper Photographs 5 1930s Scope and Content Fragile scrapbook with very brittle & crumbling pages. Most of the pages consist of newspaper photographs of circus animals, performers, and circus scenes from the 1930s. Some of the pages have pencil and crayon drawings of circus wagons and other structures, presumably drawn by Ralph Rodgers. There are many loose clippings near the back of the scrapbook (not glued to the pages).		39
Return to Table of Contents »
Series 6: Photographs Scope and Content This large series consists of 7 boxes of photographs and negatives, and 22 photo albums. Most of the photo albums are not labeled and are given artificial numbers for the purpose of matching the location of the photo album with its descriptive information. The photographs which are in files rather than in albums are organized by topic or circus, with "sets" of photographs kept together as they were in their original envelopes whenever possible. The files are arranged alphabetically.
Photo Albums
		Box
Photo Album "1" 1970s (Most) Scope and Content Most of the photos are in plastic photo pages in a green 3-ring binder. Pages at the back are green scrapbook pages with photos glued directly onto the paper. Most of the photos are candid color photos of circus events and animals (1970s?); the business card of Lou Kreischer is in one of the photo pockets. There are some black and white 8 x 10 photos in the album also including many of clowns. One of them is autographed to "Lou" by Diamond Jim Parker. Most of the 8 x 10 photos as well as those pasted on green paper are of clowns.		36
Photo Album "2" 1908-1946 Scope and Content This album is a white 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos pasted onto black paper inside the photo pages. The first twenty-six photos appear to be of a Ringling Brothers circus parade in 1909. People are riding horses, elephants, and camels in the parade. There are nine small black and white photos of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus in 1920. Next, there are 12 parade photos of the Ringling Bros. Circus in 1908 taken in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The following 20 photos depict the ruins after a fire of a RB & BB circus in Hartford, Connecticut in 1944. The last 13 photos in the album are RB & BB circus wagons in Greenville, South Carolina in 1946.		36
Photo Album "3" 1900-1942 Scope and Content This album is a 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos affixed to black paper. The first group of 12 photos is labeled "Christy Wagon Set." The next 14 photos are labeled "World Jungle Compound Set: Thousand Oaks, CA." The following 4 photos are of Al G. Barnes circus wagons in 1934. The remainder of the album consists of photos from the Forepaugh & Sells Bros. Circus (circa 1900), Cole Bros. Circus (1942), and the Sells-Floto Circus (undated, but starring Tom Mix).		36
Photo Album "4" 1930-1973 Scope and Content This album consists of two green 3-ring binders with plastic photo pages. The photos are pasted onto black paper. The photos are of different types of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus wagons. There are several sheets of folded paper tucked into the front pocket of the first green binder (Album 4 part 1). Most of the photos in the album are labeled--the papers contain a key for this labeling system and give a description and a date for each photo.		36
Photo Album "5" 1916-1943 Scope and Content This album is a white 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos pasted onto black paper inside the photo pages. The first eighteen photos are of Al G. Barnes circus wagons, animals, and signs, taken in 1939. The next twenty-four photos, taken in 1934, depict Al G. Barnes wagons, signs, and elephants. Two of the photos in the set show a tent being set up. Then there are thirty-nine photos from 1935 of Cole Bros. as well as Cole Bros. with Clyde Beatty Circus wagons and signs. The set also includes several photos of animals. The following nine photos depict a 1939 Cole Bros. circus and parade. Then there are eleven photos of LaTena Circus horses and wagons in Ithaca, New York on May 19, 1916. There are three photos of Howe’s Great London Circus, all from 1920, in different states: Carlisle, PA; Sikeston, MO; East Port, ME. Then there are ten photos of horses dragging Sparks circus wagons and people at Sparks Circus in Ithaca, NY in 1916. The next photo page contains a letter handwritten on lined notebook paper. The letter is dated 1943 and is two pages long; the second page has writing on both sides. It was written by F.M. Farrell to J.A. Shields in Ithaca, NY and appears to be a response to a request for photos of LaTena and Sells-Floto circuses. The writer also describes a 1923 Al G. Barnes and a 1943 Cole Bros. show he saw. After the letter, there are forty-four photos from 1917 in different New York and Massachusetts cities. They show R.T. Richards circus performers, animals, and wagons. Next, there is one photo of what appears to be an advertisement for a Howe’s Great London show in Haverhill, Massachusetts, taken in 1920. There are nine Sells-Floto photos from Ithaca, NY in 1919. The last set of photos in the album are of Hagenbeck-Wallace wagons in 1934.		36
Photo Album "6" 1927-1938 Scope and Content This album is a white 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos pasted onto black paper inside the photo pages. First, there are seven photos of Campbell Bros. performers, animals, and advertisements. Then there are twenty-four photos, including some of Cole Bros. trains, horses, and performers. The next fifteen photos depict Arthur Bros. trains, train cars, and tents. Next, there are thirty-five photos of Al G. Kelly and Miller Bros. trucks, animals, and performers. There is a set of thirty-five photos of Robbins Bros. wagons containing animals or on trains. The next set, from 1927, also depicts the Robbins Bros. Circus in what seems like a parade. The set also includes a few photos of animals and of wagons being unloaded from trains. Then there are six photos of Sells-Floto wagons in Long Beach, CA. There are thirteen photos of Hagenback-Wallace wagons in Long Beach in 1938. The last eight photos in the album show a Robbins Bros. parade.		36
Photo Album "7" 1922-1946 Scope and Content This album is a white 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos pasted onto black paper inside the photo pages. The first photo page contains a two-sided handwritten 1946 letter from Charles Philip Fox to J.A. Shields regarding a photo trade agreement. There seem to have been several photos of various circuses (including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Al G. Barnes and Sells-Floto) enclosed with the letter. The first eleven photos are of spectators, animals, and wagons at a Cole Bros. Circus in 1937. Then there are twenty-five photos of Hagenbeck-Wallace wagons, horses, and a parade. Next are sixteen photos of a 1923 circus parade. There are eight photos of John Robinson Circus workers in 1922. The following eight photos depict Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus horses in 1936. These photos are labeled “from CP Fox” and are presumably some of the photos mentioned in the letter at the front of the album. After that, there are twenty-two photos from 1922 of a Sparks Circus parade and wagons, camels, zebras, and elephants. Then there are eighteen photos from 1925 of Sells-Floto clowns, performers, and spectators. The last fourteen photos are of a Sparks Circus parade.		36
Photo Album "8" 1939-1969 Scope and Content This album is a white 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos pasted onto black paper inside the photo pages. All of the photos depict Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey train cars and tractors. There are a few sheets of paper tucked into the back of the binder. These papers use the letter-number labels handwritten on the photos to match each photo with a description and a date.		36
Photo Album "9" 1929-1937 Scope and Content This album is a white 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos pasted onto black paper inside the photo pages. The first thirty-six photos are of Al G. Barnes circus animals, mostly elephants, horses, zebras, and camels. Then there are fifteen photos from 1937 of Al G. Barnes and Sells-Floto wagons that contain animals. The next sixty photos are of the Al G. Barnes and Sell-Floto Combined Circus, taken in approximately 1929. Most of the photos in this set are of wagons.		37
Photo Album "10" 1903-1946 Scope and Content This album is a white 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos pasted onto black paper inside the photo pages. The first set of photos is from 1938. They depict Robbins Bros. wagons on trains, people watching the trains getting unloaded, and a circus parade. The next twenty-one photos, from 1946, are of Clyde Beatty train cars and elephants. Then there is a set of twenty-six photos, some of a Clyde Beatty and Russell Bros. performance, others of circus trucks and animals. The following set of photos is of the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1914. Most of these photos depict performers on horseback and horses pulling wagons. There is also what seems to be a holiday card from 1951 with a photo of the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1903 on it. Then there are five photos of a 1913 Gentry Bros. Dog and Pony Show; a photo of Ringling Bros. horses pulling a wagon in Cincinnati, OH in 1917; a photo of an 1897 parade with lots of elephants, labeled “Adam H. Paul”; and a photo from 1922 of Howe’s Great London horses and a wagon.		37
Photo Album "11" 1917-1948 Scope and Content This album is a white 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos pasted onto black paper inside the photo pages. The first seventy-one photos are from 1945. They consist of Dailey Bros. advertisements, trains, circusgoers, performers, and elephants. The next twelve photos were taken at Fair for Britain in 1948 and the Terrell Jacobs Circus in 1942. These photos are mainly of elephants, performers, and the circus tents. Next, there are two photos of Robbins Bros. wagons and a Clyde Beatty train, taken in 1938. Then there is one 1922 photo of a Gollman Bros. circus. There are two photos from 1935 of the Rice Bros. Circus, then three photos of a Downie Bros. parade and trucks. There is one 1941 photo of what appears to be a Cole Bros. float. The following three photos were taken in 1924 and are of Sells-Floto animals and wagons. The next two are photos from 1926, of a wall of Christy Bros. advertisements. There is a blank page, then three photos of a Barnum & Bailey parade and train at Birmingham, Alabama in 1917. Next are two 1938 photos of Al G. Barnes and Sells-Floto train cars in Tennessee. Then there are six photos of Budweiser horses in San Diego in 1947. Lastly, there are six photos from a fair in 1946 that are not associated with any particular circus.		37
Photo Album "12" 1915-1938 Separated Materials note This album is a 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos affixed to black paper. The first nine photos are of the John Robinson Circus in 1925. Then there are forty-nine photos of Sells-Floto wagons, tents, workers, horses, and other animals in 1926. Next are seventeen photos of a 1915 Sells-Floto ticket office and workers, performers, and wagons. The following twenty photos depict horses and Hagenbeck-Wallace wagons. After that are seventeen photos of Cole Bros. animals and wagons in 1936. The next twenty-two photos are of Cole Bros. horses, elephants, wagons, and spectators in 1935. Then there are eight 1915 photos of Sells-Floto performers, elephants, and other animals. The next set of nine photos is also of the Sells-Floto circus, but in 1917. The set includes photos of a parade and spectators. Next are eleven photos of a 1938 Robbins Bros. parade and performances in a tent. Then there are fourteen photos of Howe’s Great London wagons, spectators, and clowns in 1921. The last twelve photos in the album show Christy Bros. wagons and caged animals.		37
Photo Album "13" 1910-1942 Scope and Content This album is a 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos affixed to black paper. The first sixty-two photos are of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus from 1933 to 1938. Most are of wagons, and a few are of animals, mostly teams of horses. The next forty-two photos depict Robbins Bros. trains, wagons, and animals in 1938. Then there are fifteen photos of a 1939 Cole Bros. Circus parade. After that are three photos of what seems to be a Col. Palmers parade. Next are twelve photos of Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill’s Great Far East Show. There are ten photos of a 1910 Yankee Robinson parade and some clowns. The last twenty photos are of the Terrell Jacobs Wild Animal Circus, taken in Ontario, Canada in 1942. They show elephants, campers, wagons, and the entrance to the circus.		37
Photo Album "14" 1937-1941 Scope and Content This album is a 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos affixed to black paper. The first thirty photos are mostly of Cole Bros. train cars in 1941. The next twenty-eight photos are mostly of 1937 Cole Bros. wagons. One of them depicts a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey wagon. The following twenty-five photos depict 101 Ranch Wild West advertisements, trains, animals, and wagons. Then there are eleven photos of Al G. Barnes and Sells-Floto trains, wagons, and elephants, taken in 1937. Lastly, there are fifty photos of Al G.. Barnes trains, wagons, and horses.		37
Photo Album "15" 1936-1952 Scope and Content This album is a 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos affixed to black paper. At the beginning of the album are two typed sheets of paper that appear to be a Cole Bros. inventory list of wagons and animals from 1944 and 1939. The first five photos are of Clyde Beatty performers. Then there are twelve photos, mostly of Cole Bros. workers and train cars. Next are eight photos of a hippo named “Puddles” taken in 1943 in San Diego, CA. Then there are nine photos of Cole Bros. elephants, camels, and horses in Wausau, Wisconsin in 1939. The following set of fifteen photos depicts a James M. Cole Circus parade in the same city, also in 1939. Then there are fifteen more photos of the Cole Bros. Circus in 1947, mostly showing trucks. There are twenty photos of Wirth Circus performers in Allentown, PA in 1947. Next are fourteen photos, mostly of Sparks Circus trucks and performers in 1947. After that, there twelve photos of the Holland Dutch Classic Circus in Allentown, PA in 1942, then nine photos of the Prof. Geo Keller Wild Animal Act in 1944, also in Allentown, PA. There are two typed pages of what appear to be lists of photographs, dated 1939 and 1936. After that are sixteen photos of the Cole Bros. Circus in Marshfield, WI in 1939. There are twelve photos, mostly of lions and tigers performing in a large cage from the Terrell Jacobs Wild Animal Act in Atlantic City, 1941. The following seven photos are of the Jack Hoxie Circus in 1937. There are twenty photos depicting the Col. Tim McCoy Real Wild West show. Then there is a typed list of what appear to be descriptions of photographs. Next, there are twenty-six 1952 photos of King Bros.-Cristiani trucks and a parade. Then there are eight photos of the Wallace Bros. circus and performers in 1944. Then there are photos of animals and spectators from the Parker-Watts Circus in 1939, the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus in 1937, the Dailey Bros. Circus in 1947, and finally the Clyde Beatty Circus in 1945.		37
Photo Album "16" 1899-1937 Scope and Content This album is a 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos affixed to black paper. There are several lists of descriptions of photos available for sale tucked into the front pocket of the album. The first six photos in the album are of women on horses, from the Cole Bros. Circus in 1935. Next are fifteen photos of a Sparks Circus parade in 1927. Then there are fifteen photos of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus in Decater, IL. There are two photos from the Terrell Jacobs Circus in 1912. Next are fourteen photos of 1938 Hagenbeck-Wallace elephants, tents, and trains. The following twenty photos are smaller, mostly of Al G. Barnes animals. Then there are six 1912 photos of Howe’s Great London show in Ontario. There are eight photos of the Buffalo Bill show in 1911, then five of Forepaugh and Sells Bros. tents in 1910, three of the Ringling Bros. Circus in 1913, and three of the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1912. There is one photo each of a 1934 Hagenbeck-Wallace animal wagon; a 1929 Sparks Circus in Milwaukee, WI; Walter Main Circus flats being unloaded in 1918; Gollmar Bros. elephants in 1910; 101 Ranch Wild West Side Show spectators in 1911; and a 1910 Howe’s Great London tent. Then there are three photos of the John Robinson Circus in 1899 and 1901, one photo of 1914 Sells-Floto spectators in California, and finally three photos taken in Birmingham, AL of a Barnum & Bailey wagon and spectators in 1913 and 1901.		37
Photo Album "17" Scope and Content This album is a white 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages. On the bottom half of each page in the album is one photo of a circus wagon. The top half of each page contains a detailed description of the wagon typed on yellow paper. There are many types of wagons from various circuses represented in this album.		38
Photo Album "18" Scope and Content This album is a 3-ring binder with a tan pebbled-sand print on the front, edge, and back and the word TECHITE in red on the front and edge. It contains plastic photo pages and color photos affixed to black paper. The first twelve photos are of performers in the Wenatchee Youth Circus in Wenatchee, WA. Then there are sixteen photos of The Pickle Family Circus performances. The rest of the photos are all of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the San Diego Sports Arena. Most are of performances, and there are some photos of clowns and some of the parking lot.		38
Photo Album "19" 1926-1937 Scope and Content This album is a white 3-ring binder with plastic photo pages and photos affixed to black paper. The first seven pages are of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey train cars and correspond to some of the lists of descriptions that are tucked into the front pocket of the album. However, several of the lists of photo descriptions do not appear to match any of the photos in the album. After the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey photos, there are thirty-nine photos of Al G. Barnes & Sells-Floto advertisements, trains, and wagons. Then there are another twenty-one photos of Al G. Barnes & Sells-Floto turcks, trains, and wagons in 1937. The following set of photos depicts Clyde Beatty-Russell Bros. Circus trucks and animals. Next, there are forty-six photos of a 101 Ranch Wild West parade. The last set of thirty photos shows Sparks Circus animals and wagons in 1926.		38
Photo Album "20" 1960s (Most) Scope and Content This album is a white 3-ring binder. Photos are glued onto black paper. Subjects of photos include circus aerialists, clowns, acrobats, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus wagons, Circo Bell's Hnos. wagons, A.G. Barnes circus wagons, Diamond Jim Parker, Westgate Park in San Diego. Many of the 8 x 10 black and white photographs of clowns are autographed to Everett M. Smith. Most of the photographs appear to be from the early 1960s.		38
Photo Album "21" Scope and Content This red three-ring binder consists of 27 double-sided black photo pages of 4 x 5 color photos, most of them appearing to be from one particular circus show., most likely Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. The photos depict clown acts, aerialists, acrobats, animal tricks, people riding elephants, etc. Some of the last few pages consist of photos which have been "tagged" with names: Lou Jacobs, Jim Parker, etc.		38
Photo Album "22" Scope and Content Scrapbook-style photo album with black pages and adhesive "corners"; many photos loose. All black and white photos, most unidentified. Several of Cole Bros. and Clyde Beatty's circuses-- mainly photos of wagons, tents, and animals.		39
Prints and Negatives
	Box	Folder
Aerialists and Trapeze Artists	40	1
Al G. Barnes Circus 193[?]	40	2-3
Al G. Barnes and Sells-Floto Circus 1934, 1938	40	4-8
Al G. Kelly & Miller Bros. Circus March 1961, December 1971, October 1979	40	9-10
Allen Bros. Circus 1985	40	11
Alohaland Circus	40	12
American Continental	40	13-14
American Showtime Circus January 2, 1989	40	15-17
Animals	57	2
Arthur Bros. Circus	40	18
Atayde & Circo Union [MEXICAN]	40	19
Bailey Bros.	40	20
Barnum & Bailey Circus	40	21
Barnum's Kaleidoscope May 1999	40	22
Bentley Bros. Circus	40	23-28
Beverly Park, Los Angeles, CA 1950	40	29
Big John Strong November 1962, 1981	40	30-31
Bob Hunting's Circus 1894	40	32
Bob MacDougall Models	40	33
Bud E. Anderson's American Victory Circus 1945	40	34
Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show 1893	40	35
Capell Bros. Circus 1979	40	36
Captain Osa Barada	40	37
Carnivals February 10, 2001	40	38-41
Carnival Museum	40	42
Carson and Barnes Circus December 1967, 1993, 1997	40	43-46
Christy Bros. Circus October 1967	40	47
Circo Atayde Hermanos	40	48
Circo Tihany	40	49
Circus Chimera	40	50-51
Circus Circus Casino	40	52
Circus Eos [CANADIAN] 2002	40	53
Circus Hall of Fame 1947-1956, 1971, 1981	40	54-56
Circus Hall of Fame Wagons 1971	40	57-58
Circus Lithos	40	59
Circus Model Builders Convention 1972	40	60
Circus Promo 1981	40	61
Circus Vargas 1974-1990s	40	62-80
Circus Wagons	40	81
Circus World	40	82
Circus World Museum July 1966, January 1969, 1990	40	83-85
Circus Vargas 1987. 1992	40	86-87
Clowns	40	88-95
Clowns - Ernie "Blinko" Burch	40	96
Clowns - Jake Posey	40	97
Clowns - Lou Jacobs	40	98
Clowns - Mark Anthony	40	99
Clowns - Ringling Bros.	40	100
Clowns - Zapateen and Nikoleen	40	101
Clyde Beatty Circus 1945-1956	40	102-104
		Box
Clyde Beatty & Cole Bros. Circus 1965-2002		40, 41
	Box	Folder
Clyde Bros. Circus 1966	41	16
Cole Bros. Circus July 1, 1945	41	17-23
Cristiani Bros. Circus October 1968	41	24
Frank Crumrine Circus Crafts	41	26
Culpepper & Merriweather Circus March 1988, April 4 1996	41	27-29
Dailey Bros. Circus 1945, 1948	41	30
Dam Bros.	41	31
Dodson's Imperial Shows	41	32
Downie Bros. Circus	41	33
East County Fair early 1960's	41	34
Europeroma Circus	41	25
Foley & Burke Shows/Carnival 1949	41	35
Franzen Bros. Circus	41	36
Frisco-Morton Circus	41	37-39
Funtastic Shows	41	40
Gentry Bros. Circus 190[9?], 1921	41	41
Gollmar Bros. Circus 1947	41	42
Goodman Shows	41	43
Great American Circus March 4 1987, October 8 1988, 1991	41	44-58
Hagen Bros	41	59
Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus 1962, 1967, 1968, 1969	41	60-63
Hanneford Circus 1992	41	64-66
House on the Rock	41	67-68
Howard Bros. Circus	41	69
Howe's Great London	41	70
Hoxie Bros. Circus	41	71-72
Hoxie and Great American Circus	41	73
James Bros. Circus	41	74
James E. Strates Carnival 2000-2001	41	75-76
James E. Strates Shows 1971	41	77-78
John Pawling Circus Ring	41	79
John Ward Shows	41	80
Jordan International 1990, 1993	41	81
Jungleland, Thousand Oaks, CA 1964	41	82
Kay's Circus November 1967	41	83
Kelly-Miller Bros. Circus July 1961	41	84
Kings Bros. Circus [MEXICAN]	41	85-86
King Bros. & Cristiani Circus May 23, 1953	41	87
Knott's Berry Farm	41	88
Circus Lithos	41	88a
Bob MacDougall Models	41	88b
		Box
Miscellaneous Photos		41
Model Builders and Models 1980-1998		41-42
	Box	Folder
Naughtin's Bears	42	20
Negatives Misc.	42	21
Norris and Rowe	42	22
Oscarian Brothers 1983	42	23-24
Pacific Ocean Park, Santa Monica, CA	42	25
Parker Bros. - Jim Parker	42	26-29
Paul Eagles' Circus Luncheon	42	30
Photo Album Pages	42	31
		Box
Photo Sets 1970s-1980s Scope and Content There are seven envelopes of color snapshots in this box-- kept together with the rolls of negatives that originally accompanied them in ziplock bags. The subjects consist mainly of circus wagons from one or more circuses or parades. The first two envelopes contain photos from a circus at Navy Pier in Chicago in what appears to be the 1970s.		44
	Box	Folder
Polack Bros. Circus	42	32
Reithoffer	42	33
Rex Williams 1985	42	34
Rimwood Circus 1992	42	35-37
		Box
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1945-1995		42, 43
	Box	Folder
Ringling Circus Museum	43	32
Robbins Bros. Circus 1930s, 1960s	43	33
Roberts Bros. Circus 1981-1996	43	34-41
Rodgers Bros.	43	42-44
Rodgers Bros. Circus 1946-1954	43	45-46
Royal American Shows 1986, April 2 1994, 1998	43	47-50
Rudy Bros. Circus March 1962,1977	43	51
Sarasota, Fla. Circus Parade 1989	43	52
Sarasota Showfolks Circus 1988	43	52a
Sarasota Street Parade 1989	43	53
Seil-Sterling Circus 1937-1938	43	54
Sells & Gray Circus 1964, April 1972	43	55-56
Sells-Floto Circus 1915, 1920-1929, 1928, July 1964	43	57-60
Semon's Chimps	43	61
Siebrand Circus & Carnival, AZ (McDonald Elephant Act) 1951	43	62
Circo Tihany	43	62a
Toby Tyler Circus	43	63-66
Turner Bros. Circus 1957-1958	43	67
Von Bros. Circus 1965	43	68
Walker Bros. Circus October 21 1995, 1998	43	69-73
Wallace Bros. Circus 1922, 1940	43	74
Wallace & Clark Circus 1960	43	75
Wallenda Circus 1993	43	76
Weber Bros. Circus 1959	43	77
Western-Pacific Carnival	43	78
Williams-Althoff Circus 1970	43	79-82
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Slides Scope and Content Most of the slides in this series came from boxes which had some identification -- usually the name of a circus. Those that did not have identification were grouped in loose topics such as "circus wagons" or were put in folders as "Unidentified."
	Box	Folder
Chicago- Views and Circus Parade	45	1
Circus Hall of Fame Scope and Content Sarasota, Florida	45	2
Circus Museum 1966 July 6 Scope and Content Baraboo, Wisconsin	45	3
Circus Parade	45	4
Circus Parade #1 1966 July 4 Scope and Content Milwaukee, Wisconsin	45	5
Circus Parade #2 1966 July 3 Scope and Content Lake Front, Milwaukee, Wisconsin	45	6
Circus Vargas 1979	45	7
Circus Wagons 1966 July 3-8 Scope and Content Milwaukee Lake Front, Wisconsin	45	8
Milwaukee Parade	45	9
Old Time Circus	45	10
Parade Slides- Chicago	45	11
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1970	45	12
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1979 Scope and Content San Diego, California	45	13
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1979	45	14
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1979	45	15
Ringling Bros, Clyde Beatty, Cole Bros. Scope and Content Portland, Oregon	45	16
Ringling Bros., Graham Bros., James Bros. Scope and Content Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Los Angeles, California James Bros: San Diego, California	45	17
Royal American Shows	45	18
Unidentified	45	19-22
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Series 8: Audio-Visual Materials Scope and Content Audio-visual materials in this collection range from old-fashioned reels of film and filmstrips to computer disks. Descriptions for the audiocassette tapes, reel-to-reel audiotapes, and some of the videotapes were taken from notes written on the boxes or the tapes themselves. Information for the film reels, filmstrips, phonograph records, computer disks, and the commercial videotapes was copied from the commercial box or album cover. All of the items are circus-related, with much of the audio materials consisting of circus and parade music.
Audiocassette Tapes
		Box
100 Birthday Performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey		46
Barnum's Kaleidoscape 1999 Scope and Content Feld's Under Canvas Show		46
Calliope Music		46
Calliope Music		46
Calliope Music Scope and Content A: Calliope Music, Circus Music B: Old Calliope Music at the Fair, Singing Ringmaster Harold Ronk		46
Circus Family Scope and Content Del Molinas		46
Circus Music 1977 Scope and Content 1: Ringling Bros. 2: Barnum & Bailey		46
Circus Parade 1980 July 5 Scope and Content Baraboo, Wisconsin		46
Circus Sounds 1981 May 23 Scope and Content 1: Circus Sounds 2: Payoff for Ward Hall and Jay Marshall, 22 May 1981		46
Circus Tapes Scope and Content A: Circus Tapes B: Foreigner Circus		46
Circus Vargas: West Covina, CA 1976 April 5 Scope and Content 8 PM		46
Circus Vargas: Carlsbad, CA 1977 May 16 Scope and Content Opening Night. Mr. Cliff Vargas announcing 1st half. Lights go out. Patron has heart attack in box seats. Side show in San Diego.		46
Circus Vargas: Carlsbad, CA 1977 June 16 Scope and Content 1: Circus Vargas 2: Side Show Blow Off and Performance		46
Vargas: San Diego 1978		46
CV [Circus Vargas] 1980		46
Vargas 1980		46
Clyde Beatty 1978 Scope and Content Roger Boyd- Rossi Band		46
Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros		46
Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros: Miami, FL 1974 December		46
Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros: Pensacola, FL 1993 October 2		46
Cole Bros Circus: Akron, OH 1948 Scope and Content Bandmaster: Henry Keys, Announcer: Harry Thomas		46
Cole Bros Circus Band Scope and Content A: Charlie Scharlbaum- Cole Bros Circus Band. Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Band 1940 with Merle Evans as bandmaster. B: Hope and Crosby sing their best.		46
Cristiani Bros Circus Under Canvas 1959, 1955 Scope and Content 1: Cristiani Bros Circus Under Canvas 1959 3: Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus Under Canvas 1955. Miami, FL.		46
Cristiani Bros Circus Under Canvas Scope and Content 2: Cristiani Bros Circus Under Canvas 1959		46
European Circus		46
Fitch Bandwagon-NBC 1943 April 18 Scope and Content Merle Evans- Ringling/Barnum Band		46
Gatti-Charles Circus 1976 June 13 Scope and Content Sunday Matinee. Civic Auditorium. San Francisco, CA.		46
The Greatest Show on Earth Scope and Content Side 3 & 4		46
Highlights of Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus Scope and Content With Ben Vereen		46
King Bros Circus 16 March 1973 Scope and Content Tallahassee, FL. 4 piece band. 4:00 PM matinee. Midway-sideshow-performance.		46
King-Cristinani Circus Performance 1953		46
Main Street Band Plays Circus 1993 December		46
Movie GSOE [Greatest Show on Earth]		46
Parade		46
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Blue Show 1976 Scope and Content Opening spec 1. Polar bear got trained by Ursula Bottche 2. Elvan Bales motorcycle act 3. Bare Back Riders- Side two 4. Clowns 5. King Charles Troupe 6. Micki- smallest man 7. Teeter board 8. Berde Horses 9. Single Trapeze		46
RBBB: Long Beach, CA Scope and Content #1 of 2		46
RBBB: Long Beach, CA Scope and Content #2 of 2		46
RB+BB: Long Beach, CA Scope and Content Kevin and Ralph. Ursula Bottecher and polar bears act Perch act Elephants: Red, White, Blue Rampage High wire Flying trapeze Closing spec.		46
RB+BB Circus Under Canvas: Miami, FL 1955 November Scope and Content Sides 1 & 2		46
RB+BB 1955 Performance: Miami, FL 1955, 1973 Scope and Content Part 3 of RB+BB 1955 Miami, FL. Also includes Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros 1973 Springfield, OH.		47
RB+BB 1955 Performance: Miami, FL 1955 Scope and Content Merle Evans. Under canvas- big stars. Trevor Bale, Pinto Del Oror, Takeo Usia, the Nocks & Wendenys, Marion Shubert, Charlie Miyoshi, Josephine Bersoni, Highwire & UNOS [?]		47
Ringling 1973		47
Ringling 1973		47
Ringling: Long Beach, CA 1975 Scope and Content Sides 3 & 4		47
Ringling: Long Beach, CA 1975		47
RB+BB: Long Beach, CA		47
Ringling Bros- Blue 1984 Scope and Content With Barbara Mandrell as host		47
Screamers- Circus Music Scope and Content A tribute to Merle Evans		47
Slitz Circus Parade Scope and Content 40 Horse Hitch		47
Sounds of the Circus 1999 Scope and Content Circus Marches. South Shore Concert Band. Richad Whitmarsh.		47
Sousa Marches 1985 Scope and Content Boston Pops Orchestra. Arthur Fiedler, conductor.		47
Reel-to-Reel Audiotapes
	Box	Reel
A Christmas Carol 1939	48	1
Circus Vargas 16 May 1977 Scope and Content Opening Nite- Carlsbad, CA. Cliff Vargas announcing 1st half- "Lights Go Out- Patron Has Heart Attack" Side Show- Opening & Closing- San Diego, May 15	48	2
Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros Circus 1 August 1973 Scope and Content Charles Schlarbaum. Springfield, OH.	48	3
Cole Bros 1948, 1962 Scope and Content A lot of old circus music on this tape. Side 1: Cole Bros 1948. Henry Kyes, Bandmaster. Harry Thomas, Director. Side 2: Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey 1962 Program. Last part Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey 1940 circus music	48	4
Cristiani Bros Circus 1959 Scope and Content Master Tape	48	5
Cristiani Bros Circus 1959 Scope and Content Daviso Duped on both sides	48	6
GSOE [Greatest Show on Earth] Movie Soundtrack 1970-1973 Scope and Content Side 1: GSOE Movie Soundtrack. GSOE, L.A. Preview (July 1970) GSOE, Preview (20 January 1971) Side 2: Geo Plimpton ABT TV Clyde Beatty Circus (2 February 1971) GSOE Preview, Blue (27 February 1972) GSOE Preview, Red (23 February 1973)	48	7
King Brothers Circus 16 March 1973 Scope and Content First part of tape bad, have patience. 4:00 PM Matinee. 4 piece band. Tallahassee, FL. Midway-Sideshow-Performance.	48	8
Leccion 2: A donde van? Scope and Content Ejercicios: Imitacion, Preguntas y Respuestas, Aplicacion, Reconstrucion, Naracion	48	9
Maryland Ave School Scope and Content Both sides. Side 1: Circus Music. Continuous (repetitive) circus band music for PTA carnival use, etc.	48	10
Merle Evans 1946-1950 Scope and Content Side 1: Merle Evans- Concert Lot of Oldies. (Has music for Altoff tiger and horse act. Also, two songs played a lot on Dailey Bros Circus 1946-1950) Side 2: Circus (old 78's)	48	11
		Box
Mills Bros Circus 1948-1963 Scope and Content Circus (RBBNB 1962, Cole 1948, Grott 1960, Mills 1963) Side 1: Mills Bros Circus (1963) Elephants Polack Bros Calliope (1963) Polack Bros Circus (1959) Henry Kyes, Director Grotto Circus. Cleveland. (1960) Carl Stern, PM Radio Show Grotto Circus (1959) Merle Evans, Director Poem- Col. Harry Thomas Side 2: Cole Bros Circus (1948) Henry Kyes, Director Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey (1962) Merle Evans, Director		48
	Box	Reel
Old Clyde Beatty Movie Scope and Content Side 1: Shirley Temple Ed Sullivan Salutes Irving Berlin Side 2: Finian's Rainbow Old Clyde Beatty Movie- Track 2 RBBB- Artistic Gadfog	48	13
Old Time Radio	48	14
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1955 Scope and Content Time cut from original tape: Nock Moroski horses Hawaii	48	15
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1955 Scope and Content Reel 1, 2 sides.	48	16
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1955 Scope and Content Reel 2, 1 side. Good, starts with Charlie Moroski Liberty Act.	48	17
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1951-1962 Scope and Content Side 1: Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Evans (1962) 2nd half Ringling Bros 1951 Album "Roll out the Sky" TV Show- Charles Van Dorn The Cristiani Family on Cristiani Bros Circus Polack Bros Circus. Henry Kyes, Cond/Dick Slayton. Cleveland (1951) Announcer-Soundtrack-GSOE [Greatest Show on Earth] CB De Mille[?]	48	18
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus Performance 1966 Scope and Content Los Angeles, CA. Sports Arena.	48	19
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus Performance 1966 Scope and Content Master tape. Los Angeles, CA. Sports Arena.	48	20
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey 27 July 1968 Scope and Content Inglewood, CA. The Forum. Running time: 2 hrs, 31 mins.	48	21
Ringling Bros Circus Highlights 1968 22 March 1963 Scope and Content Mike Douglas, MC.	48	22
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey, Red Unit 1975 Scope and Content Red Unit. Performance. Long Beach, CA. 8:00 PM. 2 hrs, 45 mins. (Wolfgang Holimair repeated side 2)	48	23
Tribute to Merle Evans 17 March 1974, 1971 Scope and Content Side 1: Tribute to Merle Evans- 4 records Side 2: Tribute to Merle Evans- cont'd Circus Clown Calliope (one side of record) Watchee Youth Circus Band (1971)	48	24
Unidentified Scope and Content 3 reels of unidentified audiotape: 2 7-inch reels and 1 5-inch reel. Reels were left in their original boxes.	48	25
Videotapes
		Box
119th Edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1989 May 15 Scope and Content Great Circuses of the World, 1989 July 2		49
Big Apple Circus- New York 1988 Scope and Content Box says "Big Apple Circus--New York, Christmas Show 1988. Actual tape says "Circus Kinoshita--Kyoto, Japan, Feb 26, 1987, Great Circuses of the World."		49
Bob's Train Layout 2003 February Scope and Content Before Feb. 2003 (54 mins) After 2nd floor addition (7 mins)		49
Buffalo Bill's Wild West 1994 Scope and Content 2-tape set		49
Carson & Barnes Circus 1997 Scope and Content 1997 Carson & Barnes Circus (Run Away with C&B) Wayne Franzen Memorial on CNN TV (1997 May 10) Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey special on "48 Hours" (1997 May 22)		49
Circus Movies from Kent Ghirard 1982-1984 Scope and Content Circus movies from Kent Ghirard put on video and copied by Jim Parker for Ralph Rodgers 1988 June 13-- Happy viewing Ralph. Baraboo (1982) Carson & Barnes (1982) Circus World in Florida (1982) Franzen Bros. Circus (1984) Circus World Museum (1984) Ringling Centennial Parade (1984) Baraboo Parker Collection		49
Circus Vagabonds 1996 January 14 Scope and Content Various old time tent shows including Cole Bros. Circus train and lot scenes, copied 1996 January 14.		49
Dory Miller's Funeral 1989-1999 Scope and Content Dory Miller's Funeral (1999) Assorted circuses (1989) Merriweather, Culpepper, Franzen Bros., Kelly-Miller, Hanneford, Great American Circus		49
Duggan Bros. Scope and Content Arnold Maley CFA Tent No. 116. Atlanta, Georgia with Joe Bradbury-- video #5		49
Emmett Kelly Jr's Circus 1981 Scope and Content Starring Anthony Newley as the Ringmaster. Featuring Loretta Swit.		49
George Hubler International Circus 1952 Scope and Content George Hubler's Personal Tour, summer of 1952. Clyde Beatty Circus, World's Greatest Trained Wild Animal Show, Last Great 15 Car Railroad Show. Extra: 2nd Edition, contains stills of original Sparks Wagons and last draft horse team with Clyde Beatty.		50
Great American Carnivals, Vol. 1		50
Hagenbeck-Wallace, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Al G. Kelly-Miller Bros.		50
John Wayne in Circus World 1964 Scope and Content 2-tape set		50
Moscow Circus on Ice		50
Old Circus Scenes from 1920s 1920s Scope and Content Very old 1920s + Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Cole, Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus scenes. Copied 1988 July 13 by Jim Parker.		50
Old Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey 1938-1940 Scope and Content 1938-1940s with Joe Bradbury. 1991.		50
Old Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Tape 1933		50
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1940-1960 Scope and Content 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, Vol. 2. Copied 1991 May from Jim Parker's collection.		50
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1950s		50
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey 133rd Edition Souvenir Video 2003		50
Robbins Bros. Circus with Hoot Gibson 1938 Scope and Content Season Highlights for 1938 Cole Bros. Circus and Clyde Beatty's Gigantic Trained Wild Animal Exhibition, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Col. Tim McCoy's Read Wild West and Rough Riders of the World		51
Sleepless in Sarasota Scope and Content George Hubler		51
Son-of-Mud Shows, Vol. 2 Scope and Content Wallace Bros, Dailey Bros, Austin Bros, Cyde Bros, Bud C. Anderson, Victory Circus, Cole Bros, Kelly-Miller 50's, Clyde Beatty Railroad, King Bros, Arthur Bros, Austin Bros, Russell Bros, Stevens Bros, Famous Cole, Mills Bros, Grand Old Opry Circus, and more, more, more...		51
Souier[?] Circus		51
Toby Tyler Circus Documentary 1994 Scope and Content American International Entertainment Corporation (Dick Garden) October 1994		51
Tommy Hanneford Circus with Mark Karoly 1957 Scope and Content Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus		51
Ward Hall Side Show		51
Weird Homes TV Show- Jim Parker's place		51
Film reels
		Box
Al G. Barnes 1937 Scope and Content 8 mm, 5 inches diameter. Non-commercial reel.		47
Behind the Big Top 1943, 1967 Scope and Content 8 mm, 5 inches diameter. Copyright Warner Bros. Pictures, 1943; Adaptation @ copyright United Artists Corporation, 1967.		47
Circus Jamboree Scope and Content 8 mm film, 5 inches diameter. Castle Films.		47
Circus Thrills: Great Acts of the Center Ring Scope and Content 8 mm, 5 inches diameter. Castle Films.		47
Downie-Barnett Circuses 1935 Scope and Content 8 mm film, 5 inches diameter. Plain box (non-commercial).		47
Fun at the Circus Scope and Content 8-mm film, 3 inches diameter. Castle Films, Produced by United World Films, Inc.		47
The Greatest Show On Earth 1952 Scope and Content 8 mm film, 5 inches diameter. Film by Cecil B. DeMille, starring Charlton Heston, James Stewart, Betty Hutton. Volume 1 and 2 (2 reels).		47
King of the Jungle Scope and Content 8 mm, 5 inches diameter. Film with Buster Crabbe. Castle Films.		47
Filmstrips
		Box
Circus Family Scope and Content Five Families SF 90 Produced by Scholastic Magazines, Inc.		47
Greatest Show on Earth		47
Phonograph Records
		Box
America - Steam Calliope Concert Scope and Content Side 1: "America - Steam Calliope Concert Side 2: "American - Steam Calliope Concert		52
Brass Whistles Somers Steam Calliope Scope and Content Record only; no cover. Cuca Record. Sauk City, Wisconsin.		52
Calliope Capers Scope and Content By Juanita Beck, La Crosse, Wisconsin		52
Circus Scope and Content Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Band Conducted by Merle Evans - Bandmaster 4 Record Set Set C-58 Columbia Records		52
Circus Band Scope and Content Directed by Russell Darr. Clyde Beatty and Cole Bros. Under the Big Top.		52
Circus Calliope Scope and Content Two record set. 1974		52
Circus Calliope Scope and Content Recorded by Paul R. Eakins' Gay 90s Village, Inc. Artists: Gene Crump and Ted MArtin. 1972		52
Circus Carnival Calliope Scope and Content Featuring the Circus Calliopes at Paul Eakins' Gay 90s Village. Sikeston, Missouri. 1961		52
Circus Favorites Scope and Content The Sauk County Circus Band, directed by Frank L. Van Epps. "A Day in Old Milwaukee" circus parade.		52
The Circus is in Town! Scope and Content Carl Stevens' Marching Band.		52
Circus Music 2 copies Scope and Content Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Band, conducted by Merle Evans.		52
Circus Spectacular 2 copies Scope and Content Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, directed by Merle Evans.		52
Circus Time 3 copies Scope and Content Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Band, conducted by Merle Evans.		53
Clayton County Windjammers Holiday, Volume 1 Scope and Content Jacket only; no record. Duggan Bros. Tent 116, Circus Fans Association of America presents Merle Evans.		53
Clayton County Windjammers Holiday, Volume 2 Scope and Content Duggan Bros. Tent 116, Circus Fans Association of America presents Merle Evans.		53
The Clown and the Kids Scope and Content Words and Music by Tony Velona. Arranged by Artie Beck. Jazz Philharmonic of Sofia. The original sountrack from the motion picture starring Emmett Kelly, co-starring Kathy Dunn and Burt Stratford.		53
County Fair Scope and Content Ken Griffin at the Organ. "Over the Waves." "Whispering." "Black Beauty March." "Beer Barrel Polka," ""In the Grand Old Summertime." "I'm Confessin'."		54
Crazy Calliope Music Scope and Content Featuring Margie Meinert at the Wurlitzer Steam Calliope. 1957		53
A Day at the Circus with "Mr. Singing Ringmaster" Scope and Content Featuring Harold Ronk of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Arranged and conducted by Noel Regney. 1962		53
De Wayne Bros Circus Presents Circus Melodies Scope and Content De Wayne Bros. Circus Circus Melodies Harry J. Jenkins - Circus Organist Side 1: 1. Calliope 2. Overture 3. The Trampolinists 4. Trapeze Artist 5. Military Ponies 6. The Clowns 7. The Aerial Ladders Side 2: 1. Overture 2. Trained Dogs 3. The Elephant 4. Trained Ape		54
An Evening with Merle Evans, Part 1 Scope and Content Record only; no cover. Mid-west Band and Orchestra Clinic and the "Old Pro's" Band. Recruited by Paul Yoder. 1968		53
An Evening with Merle Evans, Part 2 Scope and Content Record only; no cover. Mid-west Band and Orchestra Clinic and the "Old Pro's" Band. Recruited by Paul Yoder. 1968		53
Jim Dale in the new musical Barnum Scope and Content Directed and staged by Joe Layton. Produced for records by Cy Coleman and Mike Berniker. 1980		53
The Magic World of Circuses and Clowns Scope and Content Featuring Robert Q. Lewis as the narrator. Narration written by Richard Kleiner. Music by The Circus Band under the direction of Hank Sylvern.		53
March Along Polka Style Scope and Content Schell's Hobo Band		53
Merle Evans in the Center Ring Scope and Content Record only; no cover. Presented by Duggan Bros. Tent #116		53
Music from the Big Top Scope and Content With Merle Evans and his all-star band. Arranged by Merle Evans.		53
The Ol' Calliope Man at the Fair 2 copies Scope and Content The Sande & Greene Fun-Time Band. Created and produced by Bob Sande and Larry Greene.		53
Old Time Circus Calliope Scope and Content Record only; no cover.		53
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Band Scope and Content Conducted by Merle Evans.		53
Samuel Bronston's Circus World Scope and Content Music composed and conducted by Dimitri Tiomkin		53
Screamers Circus Marches Scope and Content Frederick Fennell conducting the Eastman Wind Ensemble.		53
A Tribute to Merle Evans Scope and Content An Anthology of Circus Music New England Conservatory Series 5 Record Set		54
Walt Disney's Story of Toby Tyler in the Circus Scope and Content Narrator: Henry Calvin.		53
Computer Disks 2001
		Box
Greatest Show on Earth 2001 Scope and Content CD-ROM disk of "The Greatest Show on Earth" by JumpStart Learning System.		47
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Series 9: Ephemera Scope and Content There are a few truly ephemeral items in this series such as circus decals and popcorn boxes, but the majority of the series consists of colorful circus posters of many different circuses spanning at least five decades. Many of the older ones are in poor condition due to their previous storage but were kept for their rarity or the short-livedness of the circus such as the Dailey Bros. Circus in the 1940s.
		Box
Decals Scope and Content Silver Springs, Florida; Circus World Museum (2) Sarasota, Florida; flag, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (2 sheets, total of 4 stickers)		55
Postcards Scope and Content This small box of postcards contains mainly circus-related cards, some addressed and some unaddressed. There are also 26 postcards, grouped together in one envelope the way that Ralph Rodgers kept them, of European images such as locations in France, Austria, Germany, etc. These cards were sent from clown Jake Posey to his wife between 1900 and 1908 when he was traveling with the Barnum & Bailey circus and they were both in Europe.		Box 56
Popcorn Boxes Scope and Content Two cardboard popcorn boxes-- James Bros. Circus, and King Bros. Circus/ Sells and Gray		3
Coca-Cola Advertisement		3
Magazine posters and pictures Scope and Content Three large folded color posters; several small pictures torn from magazines and calendars. Most circus or animal-themed.		3
Miscellaneous Scope and Content Membership cards for Ralph Rodgers and other small miscellaneous cards.		55
Sign- Big John Strong Circus		57
Stationery Scope and Content Unused writing paper and envelopes with various circus addresses and logos: Clyde Beatty--Cole Bros. Circus, Monte Carlo Festival Cirque Spectacular, Culpepper-Merriweather Circus, Hamid Circus Royale, Royal Rajah Circus, Circus Model Builders and Owners Association, The Great Hippodrome, The John Pawling Circus, The American Circus Corporation, California Circus Corporation, Big John Strong, Karland's 3-Ring Magic Circus, Circus Vargas, Circus Historical Society, Bell Bros. Circus, Circus Fans Association of America, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Jake Posey, Circus Genoa.		3
Certificates 1957-1998 Scope and Content Four membership certificates awarded to Ralph Rodgers: 1) Circus Historical Society, 1962 2) Circus Model Builders and Owners Association, 1957 3) World War II Memorial Society, 1997 4) Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, 1999 (with form letter from Thomas A. Pouliot, Commander-in-Chief)		3
Posters		Box 57, 63, 64, 67, 68
Al Bahr Shrine Circus
Al G. Kelly & Miller Bros. Circus
Al Kader Shrine Circus
Barnum and Bailey Circus
Bentley Bros. Circus
Big Apple Circus
Big John Strong Circus
Buffalo Bill's Wild West
Carson & Barnes Circus
The Circus Scope and Content Attatched to cover. Sells-Floto Super Circus: 2nd Biggest Show on Earth, Sells-Floto Super Circus, The Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Forepaugh & Sells Brothers, Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, Ringling Bros: Big Bingo, Ringling Bros
The Circus (laminated posters) Scope and Content Laminated. Sells-Floto Super Circus: 2nd Biggest Show on Earth, Sells-Floto Super Circus, The Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Forepaugh & Sells Brothers, Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, Ringling Bros: Big Bingo, Ringling Bros
Circus Chimera
Circus Circus
Circus Vargas
Clyde Bros.-Cole Beatty Circus
Cole Bros. Circus
Cristiani Bros. Circus
Cristiani Wallace Bros. Circus
Dailey Bros.
Egypt Temple Shrine Circus
El Zaribah Shrine Circus
Ford Bros. Circus
Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus
Hoxie Bros. Circus
International All-Star Circus
James Bros. Circus
Jordan World Circus
Jungleland Circus
Kay Bros. Circus
King Bros. Circus
Las Cruces Shrine Circus
Miscellaneous Posters Scope and Content May all your days be circus days, Southwestern College (x2), West Coast Shows
Miller-Johnson Circus
Moscow Circus
Old Time Circus Posters Scope and Content Ringling Bros., Adam Forepaugh & Sells Bros., The Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth, Al G. Barnes Circus, The Great Adam Forepaugh Shows
Pickle Family Circus
Ringling Bros. Circus
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Rudy Bros. Circus
Sells-Floto Circus
Sells & Gray Circus
Turner Bros.
Return to Table of Contents »
Series 10: Artifacts Scope and Content The materials in this series consist mainly of small items such as souvenir patches and exhibitor ribbons from model builder conventions. There are a few plaques, frames, and metal circus signs, but most of the true circus model artifacts did not come with the collection.
		Box
American flags Scope and Content 9 small American flags		55
Ball-point pens Scope and Content 13 ball-point pens with erasers: Big John Strong (5); Pat Rodgers and Rodgers Bros. (8)		55
Button pins: Carson & Barnes Scope and Content 2 circular yellow buttons for Carson & Barnes		55
Cloth sign: Al G. Barnes Scope and Content Hand lettered and drawn sign for "The Al G. Barns Big 3-ring Wild Animal Circus. The show thats differnt." [sic]		55
Patches Scope and Content 6 patches: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey (3); Al G. Barnes Ring (3)		55
Plaques & Frames Scope and Content Framed picture of a clown in a blue hat, yellow shirt, and red cape holding a white dog in one arm and pointing at it with the other. Plaques: "Elephant Brass Band" (Ringling Bros., World's Greatest Shows) "Twelve Different Kinds of Music" (depicts three teams of horses dragging three wagons) Man standing on back of black horse. A crowd and a man on a stand holding a ring in background. Newspaper print (International Allied Shows! Great London Circus. Electric Light!) "Jumbo" (P.T. Barnum's Greatest Show on Earth & the Great London Circus combined with Sanger's Royal British Menagerie & Grand International Allied Shows. Depicts a crowd of children on the back of an elepahnt. Large plaque.) Patriotic circus wagon (large plaque, green/gray background, no words)		Box 59
Pocket buttons Scope and Content 12 white metal pocket buttons with the words "We're going to the Shrine Circus" and pictures of a hippo, giraffe, tiger, and man's head.		55
Rodgers Bros. Circus: Sign Scope and Content Raised white wooden letters on orange cardboard background.		58
Ceramic Clown Head Scope and Content Painted ceramic clown head. Three dimensional, but the back is flat and has a metal ring, presumably for hanging on a wall. The face is flesh colored. Red nose, cheeks, and hair. Yellow and green hat and neck ruffle.		60
License Plate: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Scope and Content White metal license plate with red and blue stripes bordering the top and bottom. The numbers "1776" and "1976" run vertically down the left and right edges. In the middle of the plate, there's a yellow blob with "Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus" in blue letters. Other words on the plate: "The greatest show on Earth," "Bicentennial Edition," and "The greatest nation on Earth". There's a horse and rider outlined in blue near the left side and a small parade of elephants, people, and horses in blue near the bottom.		60
Metal Sign: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey		63
Name badges and ribbons Scope and Content Most ribbons/badges indicate Circus Model Builders conventions with names of Ralph Rodgers or Mary Ann Rodgers. One ribbon is for Louis W. Kreischer, Circus Historical Society National Convention, 1949.		55
Playing cards: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Scope and Content Deck of playing cards in plastic box. Has the words "Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey, Circus World" and a picture of two lions.		55
Sign: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey		57
Souvenir Pencil & Flag Scope and Content Long souvenir pencil with felt Ringling Circus Museum pennant attached.		58
American Flag Scope and Content Small American flag on 18" stick.		58
Tents		65, 66
		Object
Trunk Scope and Content Metal red circus trunk with the lettering "Turner Bros. Dog and Pony Show."		1
Trunk Scope and Content Large red metal trunk with lettering "Rodgers Bros. Circus."		2
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Series 11: Costumes and Textiles Scope and Content This series is comprised of a few articles of "circus clothing" and some large textiles that may have been used as banners or blankets. It is not known who wore the clothing consisting chiefly of jackets, capes, and a pair of yellow pants. Also included in this series are a few cloth (felt) pennants.
Costumes
		Box
Carson & Barnes Cap Scope and Content Trucker-style cap, yellow in front with red mesh and a red rim. Has the words "Carson & Barnes, America's largest wild animal, Circus. Under the biggest big top on earth." There is a tiger depicted in the middle. A yellow braid runs along the bottom of the front part of the cap, and the red rim has a thin yellow strip along the edge.		61
Red Cape Scope and Content Red satin (?) short cape with gold trim and a metal clasp. Two slits at sides, presumably for arms. Large ruffle attatched to top. The entire cape forms a semicircle when spread out.		71
Red Cape Scope and Content Red satin short cape with gold trim and two metal clasps at collar. Slits in sides, presumably for arms. Large ruffle attatched to top. The entire cape forms a semicircle when spread out.		62
Red Jacket Scope and Content Red cotton jacket with yellow trim and metal buttons. Patches on the back and side.		62
Red Jacket Scope and Content Red cotton jacket with yellow trim and metal buttons. Brownish stains near hem and on sleeves. Then number 19 is stamped in black on the inside, near the collar.		62
Red Jacket Scope and Content Red cotton jacket with yellow trim and metal buttons down right side. Trim extends up back in two lines along seams. Sections of the trim on the bottom right and front left edges have been replaced in a paler yellow. Small patched hole on upper back.		62
Red Military-style Jacket, metal buttons Scope and Content Red jacket with black military-stlye embellishments down the front and on sleeves. Black stripe around the waist, sleeve edge, and collar. Plastic black buttons down left that would be hidden when jacket is buttoned. Two metal buttons on right side and two on shoulders. Two black triangles on back. A broken yellow circle stitched on left chest area.		62
Red Military-style Jacket Scope and Content Red jacket with black military-stlye embellishments down the front and on sleeves. Black stripe around the waist, sleeve edge, and collar. Two black triangles on back. Plastic black buttons down left that would be hidden when jacket is buttoned. The second button is broken. A full yellow circle stitched on left chest area. Tan lining on inside side panels and in sleeves. Lining has a pocket on the right side with a black label: De Moulin Bros. & Co. Many moth holes.		62
Red Military-style Jacket Scope and Content Red jacket with black military-stlye embellishments down the front and on sleeves. Black stripe around the waist, sleeve edge, and collar. Two black triangles on back. Black plastic buttons down left that would be hidden when jacket is buttoned. The second button is broken. Tan lining on inside side panels and in sleeves. Patches on sleeve edges. Metal clasp at collar.		62
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Cap Scope and Content Red trucker-style cap with white mesh. Has a circular patch with the "Greatest Show on Earth" logo in the center, surrounded by the words "Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus." The bottom side of the rim is green.		70
Yellow Pants Scope and Content Dark yellow/gold velvety pants, with two lines of metal disks sewn in near the hems of the pant legs. Lining is a grayish-brown color. The lining material extends above the velvety material and incorporates a drawstring and a metal clasp.		70
Other Textiles
		Box
Large RBB&B cloth Scope and Content Large piece of cotton (?) cloth printed with a repeating pattern of three clown heads surrounding the "Greatest Show on Earth" logo and the words "Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus." The background is blue with white stars. The top edge of the cloth is sewn down, the bottom edge is folded over and daped down with duct tape, and the side edges are unfinished.		62
Small RBB&B cloth Scope and Content Rectangular strip of cotton (?) cloth. Same pattern as the large RBB&B cloth, but cut to frame two clown heads, the "Greatest Show on Earth" logo, and the words "Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus." Less faded than the large RBB&B cloth.		62
Taylor Ball/Peacock cloth Scope and Content Rectangle of cloth with unfinished edges. Across the top are the words "World's Greatest Show" and across the bottom are the words "Taylor Ball Amazing Shows." The design also includes images of two peacocks, a clown, an ox (?), a dog/goat(?), and two people on a bicycle. The background is brown.		62
Miscellaneous Pennants Scope and Content Five felt pennants. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (small, red background, red and yellow words) Famoso Circo Union: Mexico (small, red background, white border, white words) Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (large, blue border, lion) Circus Vargas (large, white, blue words) Jordan World Circus (large, light blue)		62
Pennant: Culpepper & Merriweather Scope and Content White pennant with the words "Culpepper & Merriweather Great Combined Circus" and images of a clown, an elephant, and a man's head in a top hat.		67
2 large red and blue textiles Scope and Content 2 large red and blue brocaded pieces of fabric-- possibly parts of tents or blankets for animals?		69
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