America's Favorite Cirrui Weekly
Volume 3 January 14, 1974 Number 2 shows get ready A ROUGH ROAD Three shows - Baatty-Cole, with the prospect of King Bros, and Sells & Cray - are having to make a $32 million in- wintering at Oe Land Fla. A consi- terest psyment in April, Mattel derable amount of work, painting Inc., must wait until next month and practice is underway at the before the proposed sale of Ring- show quarters in preparation for ling Bros, it Barnum & Bailey will the 1974 tour. be confirmed. Mattel has signed a Both King Bros, and Sells & letter of intent to sell and is Cray will open their new tour on awaiting action by the board of march 9th, in Florida. The Beatty- directors of an un-named CO!B Circus will start its tour "industrial corpora- at Commack, L.I., N.Y. on Apr. 6th tion" who will meet in February* SHOW OPENS Because of heavy los- *," see over the past few The new Circus Varga» open* years Mattel has found itself in this week (Jan. 19) at Arlington, financial difficulties. A long- Texae, on a tour that is expected term loan from wells Fargo Bank is to last some 50 weeks. The show in 8XCB98 of $100 million. As a is scheduled to move east into result the company has aold some Florida before heading towards its of its subsidiaries and is now en* west coast dates. deavoring to dispose of the circul Featured on the new shorn as well as its Audio magnetic Corp will be two wild animal acts -- and Turco Co. Pat Anthony and Harry Thomas. A The money realized from these number of other animal acts such sales, it is hoped, will keep the ss liberty horses and elephants company solvent and in operation. will also be featured in the show One official told Circus Report program. (Continued on Page 3) Page 2 The Circus Report the CFA CIRCUS JIIWIY CHAMBERS is now working An unconfirmeV^r sport cir- a western act, using an Indian blow- culating last week indicated the qun, knives and gun spinning* He new Lewis Bros. Circus, a Hoxie Tu recently visited the Clyde Bros. cker and John Lewis operetion, will Circus. be the 1974 CFA Convention circua. FRANK DEAN has an article in the Jan. 1974 issue of "Western Featured on the new show will Horseman" Magazine. His books and be Bobby Cibbs, who will be busy writings keep him busy when he and presenting several acts on the cir< his wife 8ERNICE are not working on cus. Amonq the sets planned are a show dates. The January story is a- 6 pony drill, 6 white german shep- bout the famed roping Chinacoa of herds, three elephants, 6 liberty Mexico during the mid-1 BOO1s. The miniature mules, camels, llamas cover is a painting of a Chiacos by and monkeys. l*liss Rosa will offer famed artist Heladio Velarde* her iron jaw and aerial routings. Bobby also plans to operate three PAUL WESSLER was visiting in concessions — an elephant ride, the San Francisco, Cal. Bay Aree Moon Walk and pit show called "the this past week* Thing." BOB WacDOUGALL and wife caught the Ringling-Barnum show's opening Unions To Merge at Venice, Fin. early this Month. The nation's two largest per- JIM RHINEHART, juggler, was on former unions are discussing plans the Merv Griffith TV Show on Jan. 7. for a merger. Officials of both es a special guest. unions -- Chester L. Mlg*den, of Screen Actor's Guild and Sanford THE GRlWALDI'a will be touring with Polack Bros. Circus this com- II Wolff, of American Federation ing season. of Televiaion & Radio Artists -- said last week the unions were "in HARRY CHIPMAN and wife plan to the preliminary stages of a possi- view the annual Circus Parade at ble merger." Milwaukee, Misc. on July 4th. Committees have been appoint- ed by both unions to study e pos- THE CIRCUS REPORT is published on sible merger. In many cases indi- a weekly basis by Don Plarcks, 525 viduals belong to both unions. Oak St., El Cerrito, Calif. 94530 "These groups will first meet Subscription ratees $1.00 for each internally in preliminary sessions month| $5.00 for six months, and and formulate ideas for mutual $10.00 for the year (Air Mail and overseaa rates upon request). consideration," a joint statement seid. January 14, 1974 Page 3 notes Business up for One of the prize winning floats HOXIE JOUR in the Rose Parade (Pasadena, Cal) Attendance was good at every on Jan. 1, 1974 was a 50 ft. repli- stand for Hoxie Bros. Circus dur- ca of clown Emmett Kelly* ing its December run in Florida, The Beatty-Cole Circus is ad- show officials report. Highlight vertising for a promoter to start of the nine day tour, booked by work immediately. Clear 1 Johnson, was the Sarasota performances, both filled to capa- Several small shows have indi- city, with many RBBB people atten- cated they may go into New England ding. this year. It haa been reported that A recent "Untouchables'* TV Hoxie Tucker recently purchased a show had a small circus working on camel, two lions, horses and pon- the Canadian border which was help- ies for the coming year. An Afri- ing to smuggle aliens into the US. can elephant has also been added to the show, giving them a hard of The Hubert Castle Circus will 11 elephants. reportedly be playing in Los Ang- eles, i-alif. in Plarch. Have you sent in your sub- scription yet? Do it today so you can start A ROUGH ROAD (Continued).... getting CIRCUS last week that the firm hopes to REPORT right away - you'll be glad turn its full attention back to you did. the manufacturer and marketing of Send $10.00 in cash, check or mon- toys, detail's real business. ey order tot Don Iflarcks, 525 Oak The Ringling-Barnum Circus wat St. El Cerrito, Calif. 94530 first sold to Irving Fald and his associates for $8 million. They in turn sold the shot* to Mattel Mention for more than $40 million, with Effective this week the pic- Feld to continue as president and torial circus magazine "Southern producer of the circus. Wr. Feldfe Sawdust" has a new address. contract was for ten years, with an option for an additional ten Henceforth all mail to the years. He has reportedly agreed magazine or its editor, L. Wilson to a payoff of that contract and Poarch, Jr., should be addressed! will now have to negotiate e new 2965 Freeman Ave., Sarasota, Fla. contract with the upcoming owners. — 33580 Fiesta Folklorico Jan. 14 rt.Laud-rdle.ri NEW Bulletin 15 W.Palm Beach The first iseue of the quarterly newsletter for the Circus Vargas Peggy Fleming Ice Shorn Jan. 16-21 Sun Valley,Ideh Unicycling Society of America) Jan. 17-24 Arlington, Texas has Just been published. The Cole Ail-Star TV Circus Globetrotters Jan. 19-20 Oakland, Calif peper is edited by William Jan. 14 Carlisle, Pa. Jenack and those interested 15 Turbotville 23 Fresno Ice Cepades in the newsletter should 16 Berwick write him att 67 Lion Lane, 17 Murray Jan. 15-20 Calgary, Alta. Ind. Showman's Aasoc. Weatbury, N.Y. - 11590. 18 Cnroute Jan. 18 Gibsonton, Fla. 19 Halifax The bulletin offers de- (Meeting and Dance) tails on the Jun. 30-July 1, Great Moscow Circus Peter Pan Show Jan. 19-29 Wellington, N.Z. 1973 convention at Pontiac, Jan. 15-27 Cleveland, Ohio Mich. Information is also of-j Kremien'a Mad World of Magic Sheriff's Posse Rodeo Jan. 17 Fallen, Nav. fered on riding and building Jan. 19-20 Ft. Myere, Fla., bikes, plus a question and 18 Hawthorne Stock Show Rodeo 19 Cnroute answer section, general news Jan. 18-21 Amarillo, Tex. and a membership application. 20 Tonapah Windjammers Convention Ringling-Barnum Circus Jan. 8-13 St.Patersb'g,Fle Jan. 18-20 Atlanta, Ga. FOR SALE 18-22 M. Palm Beach FAIR MEETINGS Large Shopping Center Direc- Royal Lipizzan Stallion Show Georgia Fair Assoc. tory (covers the entire U.SJ Jan. 18-20 Miami Bch, Fla. Jan. 18-19 Atlanta, Go. Also have brochures and cal- Tommy Scott-Tim McCoy Show Kentucky Fair Assoc. endars that may be of inter- Jan. 20 Asheville, N.C. Jan. 17-19 Louisville, Ky est to collectors. Voorheis Bros. Circus Olid-Winter Feir For details write: Allen's Jan. 15 Cass City, Mich. Jan. 17-20 Lafayette, La. 16 Owosso Petting Zoo, Box 91, Pixley, Michigan Assoc. of Fairs Calif - 93256 17-18 Enroute Jan. 17-19 Detroit, Mich. 19 Cslina, Ohio Penna. Fair Assoc. OTHER ROUTES Jan. 18-19 Harrisburg. Pa. w. Va. Fair Assoc. The Country Show Jan. 18-19 Clarksburg, W.V Jan. 19 New York, N.Y. Festival on Ice to Jan. 27 New York, N.Y. January 14, 1974 Page 5 Off & RUNNING Opportunity The 104th edition of Ringling NOW AVAILABLE — an 8 x 10 black- Bros.-Barnum 4 Bailey Circus is and-white group photo of the Royal now well underway after completing Bros. Circus 1973 show personnel its first two stands. The circus for just $5.00. Early purchasers opened its 1974 tour at Ven- will also receive a bonus package ice, Fin. for three days of circus items. (Jan. 4-6) then moved to St. Petersburg for Jan. Order fromt Dave Knoderer, Box 255, 8-13. Donna, Texas - 78537. During the St. Peter burg stand the annual NBC- TV "Highlights of the Circus' finale special were filmed for showing on Harold Barrows, a long-time cir- Feb. 14th* Special guest host for cus and carnival billposter, died this year's program is Flip Wilson at Chicago, 111. on Dec. 15th. Featured in the 1974 circus Chet Howell, retired rodeo end program of the Blue Unit is fflichu, circus trick and fancy rider and the 33 inch midget from Hungary, roper, died on Dec. 24th at Phoen- and the Samel Mixed Animal Act ix, Ariz. from Eastern Germany. Eugene Maier, a concessionaire The program also includes The with Rlngling-Barnum and Sells & Flying Caonas, Charly Baumann's Cray, died Dec. 12th at Ferndele, animals, Bill Baker, an equestrian Wich. and the comic unicycle group The King Charles Troupe. The program George W* Penny, whose circus also offers several all-new show career included trick riding and pageants* management, died at Miami, Fla., on Nov. 28th. Letters Renew my subscription to Circuc Report for 1974. The paper ie rjet- ting better and better. Can't ^ard- FOR SALE ly wait until mondays. O'Lee Carlstrom many items of interest for collec- tors from the Tex Carson and early I look forward to The Circus Carson & Barnes Circus. If inter- Report every weak. It gives me ested write for details, etc. news that I wouldn't get other- wise. HENRY HOOVER H. L. Oerk 8392 Spring Valley Road Dallas, Texas - 75240 PBQB 6 The Circus Report JOUR FLANS READY BILLfD AS, The 1974 tour season for Al ien's Petting Zoo and Rides will 'WORLD'S LARGfSr get underway on Saturday (Jen. 25) Wembers of the Ed Millette with a three day run.at Palo Des- Tent, of the CFA, will be attend- ert, Calif. The unit Hill then BOB ing the all-new Circus Vargas st Into the Los Angeles area until Arlington, Texee, on Seturdey eve- late Kerch, with datee at the Tuc- ning, Jan. 19th. The circue will son and Yuma (Ariz) fairs set for be playing on the Arlington Sta- April. dium Parking Lot from Jen. 17 to Since the show closed last 24, for its premiere data of 1974. Dec. 9th, Charlie Allen has been The show's newspaper adver- busy preparing for the upcoming tising announces the circus per- tour. An all new unit this year is formances will be presented under e specially designed 35 ft. metal the world's largest big top. They trailer, are featuring two wild animal acts DO YOU LIKE plus e total of 150 animals, 125 psrformers and three herds of ele- CIRCUS MUSIC phants. Seventeen performances are Interested in Circue scheduled for the eight day stand, Bandleaders - pest it present ... with prices set ati 12.50 for the children, S3.50 for juniors and Want to learn more about $4.50 for adults. composers, names of grand old marches, waltzes, galops action line the circus plays thru the On Dec. 31, 1973, Action Line Circus Windjammers ..... of The Oeklend, Calif. Tribune re- ported on some of the human inter- JOIN NOW - BEFORE DUES INCREASE est features it had worked on for the year 1973. Included was the Send $3.00 for membership following! Meke checks peyeble tot "A one-time famous circus aer The Secretory islist, dying of leukemia, wanted WINDJAMMERS UNLIMITED one lest look at the Big Top in the company of her grand-daughter, Contact! but she could not welk or cope with Percy Turner long lines and herd seats. Through Windjammers Regional Director Action Line her last dream came 1510 Grand Avenue true and the grand-deughter has a Sen Diego* Calif. - 92109 cherished memory." January 14, 1974 Pag* 7 PKfWfW OPENING guest talent is named A premiere tour, starting at The star of 70 weetern films Fa lion, New., (Jan. 17) has bean — "Sunset" Csrson — will Join announced by Kramien's Mad World the Tommy Scott-Tim McCoy Show on of Magic Show. The show Mill be April 1st at Seneca, N.C., for a playing a few weeks in the month's tour. Carson will replace Southwestern area before Col. Tim McCoy who is taking s embarking on its big sum- month off for an around-the-world mer tour on June 1st. cruise. He has been with the ahow Stan Kramien report* for eleven years and thia will be he recently bought a his first vacation in that Jiim*. 3get horse, which will he While touring with used in en illusion end for ad- the show Carson will vance publicity purposes* He has prssent his trick also added a backdrop, a acenery shooting routines, in- system and sound equipment which cludes shooting cigar- will enable him to produce a big ettes from the mouth of an illusion show on stages, in schoo] assistant. Hs will also do a Wm. gyms and even outdoor stadiums. Tell act, shooting an apple off the heed of Ms assistant. The combination Fun and Wild show program West Show has been produced for The following program is pre- many years by Tommy Scott, who sented here for the interest of our started his show career as a gui- readers. It ia the show presented tarist with a medicine show and at Newcastle, (Australia) by Circus later worked as s ventriloquist. Circus in mid-1973. The ahow line- The show plans from January until up ia slightly different than that late November, covering most of reported here on Sept. 10, 1973. the U.S., with some dates in Can- Mrs. Phyllis Ashton - welcome ada and Mexico. Grand Parade - etege end ring Miss Susan, Mia* Severley, Mia* Marilyn - aerial numbers WANTED Los Tonaria - balancing Cliaa Lorraine Ashton - pony Items on Russell Bros. Circus. Mis* Aehton - 4 liberty horses Want photos, routs cards, programs Jan Ashton - equestrienne and other items.of all sorts. The Clowns - comedy car Circus Royal's trained camels Send letter with details end your The Rolling Grants pricee tot Paul W*a*l*r, 46 For- Clowns - Sword gag tune Ave., Sen Francieco, Calif. (Continued on Page 11) Page 6 The Circus Report Was able to cetch rated fantastic Poleck Bros, dur- ing their date at The merger of Australia's A* South Bend, Ind., writes Jim Brock ton and Royal circusea for 1973 and they had a nice show. This was dates was greeted with enthusiastic their last 1973 stand and I didn't response by the public and critics mean to take so long getting the alike. Business at Newcastle was news to you. so good the one week stand had to be extended for a month, something The program, reports Brock, in almost unheard of. eluded the following! The circus used a Zamperla - seven lions one ring, European style ffliss Francesco - single trapeze round top. Admission to Pete A Petrova - aerial cradle the circus ranged from The Great Segura - bounding rope $2.00 to |5.DO. Th* perfor- Baby dike - a young elephant mance was presented on the hippo- The Clowns - strongman stunt drome track, the ring, in the air Rodger's Bird Fantasy and on a stage. This latter facil- The Zamperlas - bareback riding ity was provided by means of a low ~ Intermission — bed truck, whose aides folded out The Luvas - parch pole act to create a square stage area* Wiss Antoinette - foot Juggler The Naughtin'a bears The lion act used a rope net Don Nothdorft - illusions arena which folded into the ring Arturo Trosti - single trapeze curb* The animals - 3 male and 3 Tom Oonoho - Polack's elephants female - entered from a tunnel Capt. Orbit - motorcycle ride cage, the first such used in Aus- The Flying Gibsons - trapeze act tralia. The following comments were taken from a review written by to present you this....." Geoff Greaves...... "At this moment, every light "The program opens with Mrs. in the big top explodes into bril- Phyllis Ashton, in a gorgeous ev- liance, the band strikes up. the ening gown, making an announcement stage and ring curtains part, and under a spotlight, about how Ash. a colorful spectacle unfolds. The ton's Circus grew from its init- performers in their gleaming cos* ial performance in Sydney in the tumea enter the ring from the early 1800'a, to its present size. stage to parade in a circle, while The closing words go something the animals make a circuit of the like thisi "...Ashton's, Austral- hippodrome track. It's a dazzling ia's oldest circus, combines with sight which attunes the heart for Circus Royal, the nation's newest, the excitement to follow." HAPPYTIME DOG AND PONY
DON'T YOU BELIEVE IT ! CONTRARY TO THE CURRENT RUMOR — HAPPYTIME CIRCUS DID NOT BUY RINCLINC BROS, and BARNUM it BAILEY CIRCUS
Ma have, however, updated, improved and enlarged our ehow for the coming season and have many surprises in store. Please atop by and aay Hello when MB are in your area. 1973 was the graataat year for "Happytime Circ •»" since its atart in '66. At thia time we wiah to thank all the wonderful people who helped make '73 another winneri
THE MENOANY FAMILY Acrobatic and balancing HEIDI HENOANY Juggling THE BAKERS Jdggling and plate spinning DALE LORZO Megic-Illuslona BENITA LYNN Balancing-Contortion PETE "Charlie" CAMP Agent - Shopping Centers BETTE KAYE Agent - Military Bases BILL SANOLIN Agent - Sponsored Dates HIKE CARATTE Kiddie Rides OCLORES BIBLE Pony Ride BETTY BUTTERBOTTOM Candy Magon BILL DEORICK end Sign paintera who did such a BILL RHODES awell job on our equipment Most of all, a big "thanks" to my family — JUDY, MIKE, KENNY Page 10 The Circus Report GN THE ROAD The Voorheis Bros. Cirrus op AL YOUNCWAN, circus musical dir- ened its mid-winter tour last week ector, has been wintering in the (Jan. 10) with two shows at Alma, Massachusetts area. tfich. The show will tour until early February. They also have a BARBARA and SYLVESTER BRAUN spring tour set which starts in Wild West performers worked casuals in the Los Angeles, Cal. area dur- April, and a fall tour that will ing December. They also worked the start in September* dedication ceremony (Dec. 29) at Appearing with the show at Wilderness Park, doing whip crack- the current time arei Ing, knives and rope spinning* The Berecinis - jugglers PHIL SHEAR will be working ad- The Tabaks - rotating perch vance and doing some booking for The Lang's Chimps the John Strong Circus again this Hal Haviland - dogs and ponies year. The Great Ryonus - incline walk Amazing Otto - ladder balance WANDA and HANK MOORE, she is Sarodzchil - sword balance the daughter of the late Jack Moore Ron Perry - wire walk and Angela Moore Akeman, now live Niea Rookie - trepan* in Dallas, Taxes. Hank is recover- Billy Voorheis III - juggling ing from a recent injury* wilma Rench will handle the "SUNBURST" CHARLIE LOCKIER is musical chores, while "Col." Bill reportedly in e hospital recovering Voorheis will be both ringmaster from e recent illness. He is a Hell and drummer. known show painter. DAVE WHARTON and ROBERT C. EARL are meking plena to tour their own shows this year. FRANK HANNON, Ho Po, the Circus Clown, worked Christmas dates at Watertown, N.Y. on Dec. 15-16 and Auburn, Me. on Dec. 23. He is going to be on several Main Shrina shows dur- ing the upcoming year.
Riding Act is scoring vith Barnett Bros.' Circus, Left to right: Melvin Hollu, Beslie Hottis, Helene Rogers, Flo Mclntoah and Pat Knight. January 14, 1974 Paga 11 SHOW PROGRAM (Continued from Page 7) Fraspa - single trapeze YEARS AGO Aerial ballet - 4 girls The Sig Sautelle Wagon Show of Carry Grant - performing pigs 1897 played dates in New York, Conn, -- Intermission -- and Penna. Fanny Espinosa - trained lions The show waa owned by Sig Sautelle Brian Gill - rope spinning and managed by John E. Ogden. Band- Jonaaa and Kay - iron jaw leader that season was C. F. Brown, Francisco* - slack wire Lorrelne Ashton - whip act The side show was managed by Tom Philip Zacchini - elephants (3) Francis, who Made openings, waa the Frank Gssser - plate spinning inside lecturer and also did Punch 4 Theo Zecchini Trio - *ua. clowns Judy, magic and vent work. Skip, the Clown • song number Other aide show features wares Car- The Flying Ashtons and the Fly- men, snakes»nnd Mental routines| Mist ing Franciscos La Mar, juggling and weight lifting* Grand Finale
The mixed animal act pictured above is probably similiar to the newly Imported Samel Mixed Animal Act which will be appaering on the Ring- ling-Barnum Circus in 1974. The sbove act shows leopards, lions, ti- gers, bleck panther, brown bsar and • Himalayan bear being worked in the same arene. Jan. 14, 1974 Page 1? A 10