February 23, 1981

DEON and BEVERLY HOGAN AUMAIER Page 2 February 23, 1981 Joseph C. Reisinger ACTS - Are you listed with us ? ATTORNEY AT LAW DWIGHT DAMON Entertainment Law - Civil Trials - Immigration Entertainment Unlimited For Fret Consultation or Appointment Call: 415 -472 -1050 Lane Manor, Box 685, Merrimack, NH 03054 603-424-3341

BY "CIRCUS JOE" VALENCIANO

The Eugene Nock family, of the Nerveless CHARLES PITCHFORD Nocks, visited the Valencianos in Tampa on Feb. 1st, on their way north for the Hubert BY EUNICE PtTCHFORD Castle dates at Ft. Wayne and Memphis. Lots of little boys have been circus fans but Eugene's sister made her first visit to the U.S. Charles Pitchford was a little boy circus fan who the Valencianos hadn't seen for many and never lots his love throughout his life. As years. She arrived in New York City from a small boy in Greensboro,NC, he lived near Switzerland with the Family Knie, of the Cir- the railroad because he was a railroad man's cus Knie. While in New York they attended son, and he also lived within a long walk of a performance of the stage play "Barnum" places where the circus normally unloaded which they enjoyed very much. and showed. The day was never too cold or The Nocks were planning to spend a couple too rainy for him to be there and watch every of days at Disney World, where Eugene was thing he could from unloading to the top be- going to show his sister around the famous ing in place. Maybe he got work to earn a tic- attraction park. ket or maybe his father gave him ticket mon- During the summer months the Nocks will ey. It mattered not how - he was just on hand. again raise their tall swaypoles at the park As an adult he recalled standing about in a dri- where they have performed for the past few ving rain all one day when a show was being seasons, as part of the "Tommy Bartlett's put up and a man with the show walked over Water, Ski and Sky Thrill Show." to him and said, "Son, anybody who wants to watch as much as you do is going to see Four days later some more good friends of the show" and gave him a ticket. the Valencianos paid them a visit. The John Dubsky family, on their way to Mobile, Ala. Although he never affiliated with any show, he did work briefly during the depression The Florida State Fair makes its run Feb. 4- years with Bilroy's Comedians as a stage hand. 15, where the Royal American Shows are ap- That was in the spring of 1936. pearing on the midway. The fair also includes Eddie Zacchini's Olympic International Cir- Prior to World War II, he was with a bakery in cus along with the Commerford's Petting Greensboro, NC, and then served the 4 war Zoo. This is the second annual appearance for years in the Navy. Settling in Jacksonville, the Zacchini circus (actually the third time, Fla., after The war. he became a letter carrier. but the first time Zacchini produced the show As a father, he took a day's vacation when his for the Kool-Aid people). The circus is a free daughter was three to take her to her first cir- attraction for all fair-goers and is presented (Continued on Page 30) under the big top. The talent line-up was in CR. Feb. 9th, Page 14. CIRCUS REPORT is published and edited License Plates each week by Don Marcks, 525 Oak Street. El Cerrito, Callt. 94530. (415) 525-3332. Official Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $15.00 for a year. License Plates. Limited edition of 500. Overseas rate via surface mail is $25.00 for Bright colors embossed on sturdy metal a year. Air Mall rates run extra and are available upon request. - $6.00 post paid - ADVERTISING RATES: (per issue on a first come basis). Minimum Ad $5.00; Quarter Pa«j B. F. B. ADVERTISING $10.00; Half Page $20.00; Full Page $35.00 P. 0. Box 578 Winter Park, Fto. 32790 Page 4 February 23. 1981 Show Dates Hubert Castle Circus Feb. 28 Minneapolis,Minn Circus Odyssey Feb. 27 Mar. 1 San Juan, P. R. Circus Vargas Feb. 24-26 Long Beach, Ca 27-Mar 2 Rolling Hills Estate Garden Bros. Circus Feb. 26-Mar. 1 Toronto, Ontario Ringling-Barnum - Blue Feb. 25-Mar. 1 Columbia.SC Ringling-Barnum - Red Feb. 24-Mar. 1 Hampton,Va Shrine Circuses Feb. 27-Mar. 1 Charleston,SC Feb. 27-Mar. 1 Topeka, Kans Feb. 28-Mar. 1 Madison, Wsc Feb. 28-Mar. 1 Odessa, Texas OTHER DATES--

David Copperfield It sure feels good to get a to Mar 18 Lake Tahoe, Nev bath and wash off some of Mid-Winter Extravaganza that dirt and dust after hav- Feb 28-Mar 1 Madison.Wsc ing to help move that old canvas around. Felix Snipes Feb 27-28 Scottsdale, Ariz This idea of a two bucket bath isn't all bad, if only there was some way to get the water warm. Well, any- thing, I guess, for show business. You do understand, I hope. There isn't any time to vis- it today. It's a quick bath, then into costume and on with the show, 'cause we're really late today. Page 6 February 23, 1981

ENTERTAINMENT TAX PREPARATION JOHN H. WHITFIELD KAZIM TEMPLE SHHINb CIRCUS P. 0. Box 2633 Sarasota, Fla. 33578 The 1981 Kazim Temple Shrine Circus, pro- 813-365-1573 duced by Garden Bros. Circus and present- ed at Roanoke, Va., Jan. 30-Feb. 1, featur- Artists Management/Accounting Service ed the following acts. 15 Yrs. Experience-Sarasota Area Performers Anthem; "Let's Hear It For Me" parade of Thanks to my many repeat customers. performers; Chari-Vari on the Hippodrome track; Harry Thomas' tigers; The Winn Bros, Let someone who knows the Business cross-over on high wire; Clowns; The Pinto prepare your taxes. Pony Parade; Susan Sheryll's Royal Afghan Circus - Carnival - Musicians - Legit. Champions; The Palomino Pony Parade; The Volvos, revolving ladder; Three rings of web acts; Clowns; The Flying Ramos; Toyland Production; Cook's Comedy Car; The Waz- BAKER & RAY Productions have released zan Troupe and The Ramolas, trampoline three segment* of "A Night at the Opry", and risley; Davide Zoppe's Rhesus Monkey syndicated nation-wide through Wheeler & Revue; Miss Heidi Herriott and The Chap- Associates, who will release all of their TV mans, aerial number; Clowns; Mr. Esquire, The Laddies, Mr. Esquire, Jr., balancing act; productions. Roman and Jean Schmitt, elephants; The The "Opry" in this case is the "Grapevine Astros, aerial motorcycle; Circus Finale. Opry" in Grapevine, Texas, and is the first of many shows these independent film pro- The clown numbers were "Miss America", ducers, Steve Baker and Gary Ray will put Egg Gag and the Bake Shop. together. Baker and Ray are the popular Mr. Ian Garden was the show's ringmaster clown team of "Checkers & Patches" and and Mrs. Mickey Garden was the vocalist. are interesting in contacting any shows that might be suitable for a documentary style in the of TV production. MOB ATTACKS MAN Ohio and Michigan. (From the Tampa (Fla) Tribune, Feb. 6, 198} When Kissel and Grein, his nephew, walked by Sylvia Wright). outside of the club into the parking lot, Pra- An angry mob dragged a man from his car in ther allegedly opened fire with a .38 caliber Gibsonton and beat him severely after he al- handgun. In the flurry of bullets. Kissel was legedly killed one man and injured another. hit once in the chest, and Grein was shot Frederick Prather, 37, of Jefferson. La., was twice. Kissel died at the Tampa General Hos- hospitalized after he allegedly shot and killec' pital. Arthur Kissel, 41, of Summan, Ind., and also Witnesses said Prather jumped into his car af- wounded Michael Grein, 22, of Cincinnati. ter the shooting, but a crowd quickly gather- Prather, who has been charged with second- ed and pulled a car up to block his exit. He degree murder, was reported to be in fair con was then dragged from his car, beaten with dition at Tampa General Hospital. He suffer- fists and kicked, and surrounded by dozens ed a lacerated forehead, broken ankle an in- of people until police arrived. ternal injuries, a hospital spokesman said. Though Prather and Kissel had argued dur- Grein was also reported to be in fair condi- ing the evening, according to reports, there tion, with wounds in his right arm and leg. was no fight within the clubhouse. The three men were among a large number o' "There was no sign of it inside. It was either carnival owners and exhibitors who gathered something that festered during the night or at the Int'l Showmen's Club in Gibsonton to a result of old grudges," a woman said. attend a carnival trade show. Both Kissel and Grein were well known on Kissel, the father of three boys, was owner of the carnival circuit, witnesses said. But Pra- King Arthur Shows, which tours in Indiana, ther was a stranger. The Circus Report Page 7

HERB MILLER, Director of Music for the American Continental Circus, spends his "va- cation time" involved in all kinds of music • from Combo to Big Bands to Concert Bands. For the past two years he has appeared in England for various prestigious events, one of the latest of which was directing the Ray Shields Big Band in the "Miller Sound" for Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent "Gala Royal Charity Show." Mr. Miller is pictured above being congratulated by H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent. Other performers appearing at the Sept. 14, 1980, "Gala Royal Charity Show" were: Bar- ley, The Broadland Singers. Paul Daniels, Dickie Henderson, Rod Hull & Emu, Karen Kay, Grace Kennedy, Marcel Marceau, Pete Sayers, Robert White and The Johnny Wiltshire Or- chestra. PEOPLE STEBBING ROYAL EUROPEAN CIRCUS STEPHANI CHAPMAN (Danny Chapman's The Stebbing Royal European Circus recent daughter) and her partner, totaled their ly completed its 10th consecutive year play- trailer enroute to Roanoke, Va., for the Ian ing the South Florida Fair - Jan. 23-Feb. 1. Garden Circus. No one was hurt. Program included: John Stebbing, lions and tigers; The Jolly Bakers, comedy table act; Irene Fossett with Willard the Killer Boxing Miss Christine's juggling; Miss Carol Stebbing Kangaroo. on single trapeze; Mary Ruth's Canine Aris- The staff included: Lilly Stebbing, front tocrats; The Baker Musical Clowns; John Her door; John Herriott, ringmaster; Mike Pike riott and his Apaloosa stallion; Miss Chris- and Giles (Red Floyd) Austing, musicians. tina's chimpanzees; The Stebbing Royal Eur- Show guests included: Hashi Oubsky, Roger opean elephants, trained and presented by Boyd, Jr. and family, some 30 European Robert and Carol Stebbing. circus guests and the director of Bassie and Also appearing in the show were Tony and Adriann Circus, Keenan Garrett. THE ZAMUDIO BROS

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happenings that builds and builds to a crowd pleasing climax in which lovely assistants ap- CIRCUS VARGAS pear and disappear all over the big top - a mind boggling treat! BY DONCOVINGTON There isn't a second-rate display in the entire Circus Vargas returned to its home state of 2% hour Vargas show, but special recognition California on Jan. 22, after opening its 1981 has to be given to Rex Williams' thundering tour two weeks earlier in Arizona. Southern 14 elephant act, the Flying Espanas, who have California stands in the San Diego area will be added a second flying return act this season; followed by a series of dates in the greater Los the Cimon Chimps; Henri Wagneur's three Angeles complex, including a return to the rings of liberty horses; the Anastosini brot- Hollywood Bowl, Feb. 12-16 and a new book- hers, risley; the Armon Duo; the Franconi ing in Long Beach, Feb. 24-26. Duo; and three rings of juggling lead by the The 1981 edition is just as strong as the block- Osmani Sisters. buster 1980 show and features several new Cliff Vargas continues to improve on the ap- acts, in addition to returning favorites. Wade peal of America's Big Top Giant with inno- Burck's 16 animal tiger display opens the vative touches throughout. Noticeable during show on a high note and sustains the excite- the San Diego stand were improved big top ment through a fast-paced series of turns in- lighting, the huge American flag unfurled for cluding a 7 cat roll-over, impressive pedestal the national anthem, strong newspaper and posing, and a string of five cats leaping through TV advertising campaigns, and numerous pro- a flaming hoop. Five gorgeous white tigers add motions around the area. As in the past, post the unique touch that sets Mr. Burck apart ers and free children's tickets were liberally from the competition. It's refreshing to see a distributed to schools and merchants all over showman in the big cage who obviously enjoys town. Tickets in the San Diego area were what he's doing and can transmit that appeal scaled at $3.50 to $8.50 for children and at to the audience. Wade sells himself continu- $5.00 to $10.00 for adults. Mastercard and ously to the crowd and they reward him with Visa were accepted at the box office and tic- showers of applause. kets could be purchased in advance through Interesting, too, is his use of cleverly designed the Ticketron computerized ticket service. innovations in the act that eliminate some of Patrons continue to appreciate the clean con- the delay inherent in other cage presentations. cession and rest room trailers spotted on the Animals enter and leave the arena through a midway. In addition to the Moonwalk, pony wire mesh collapsable chute rather than the and elephant rides on the midway, a serpen traveling cages; pedestacls are raised hydraul- tarium pit show is new this year. ically from the outside of the arena elimina- A few early season difficulties are still appar- ting the requirement for the trainer to wrestle ent. The acts move along nicely themselves, heavy stands around; and assistants unobtru- but ringmaster Joe Pon needs to tighten up sively preposition items around the cage when on the timing of displays in order to elimin- required. The result is a welt orchestrated rou- ate some awkward pauses. The spec. Circus tine that never slows down. on Parade is much too slow for the pace of the In a tie with Burck's white tigers as my per- rest of the show, and needs help to provide sonal favorite among this year's new perfor- the right accent at the end of the first half. mers is Vince Carmen, the master illusionist. His act is a flashy, fast-paced series of magical (Continued on Page 23) Page 12 February 23, 1981 PEOPLE BETTY WENDANY'S MIKE DAVIS, juggler, was featured on the John Davidson TV Show on Feb. 2nd. FUNS-A-POPPIN LOU ANN JACOBS, aerialist, is one of the PACKAGE SHOWS TO FIT YOUR NEEDS show stars featured in the circus recently pre- Box 391, Sunlind, Calif. - 91040 sented at Rochester, NY. 213-352-4277 213-352-2454 BILLY BARTON returned to the U. S. On to be ringmaster for the Eastern States Expo- Feb. 7th, after a date in Mexico City. His re- sition Circus in Springfield, Mass, on Sept 1C ports on Mexico and other show news is ex- thru 20th. pected to be resumed sometime in March. CHRISTOPHER J. OULLEA has been named VINCE DILLMAN, former aerialist, now director of Food and Beverages at Circus World works as an aircraft salesman for the Fitch- Park in Florida. He formerly served as assistant burg-Colonial Aviation in Fitchburg, Mass. Food and Beverage Director with Hyatt Orlan- MICHAELE VOLLBRACHT, fashion design- do, Fla. er, used the theme "Illogical Circus" for the ABE "Korky" GOLDSTEIN, the Last of the showing of his new fashions at a recent show Keystone Kops, still performs with clown in New York City. shows at children's parties in the Los Angeles BRIAN La PALME (The Ama/ing La Palme) area. was featured on the front page of the Jan. 28 ROBERT OBERFIRST, authored a new book issue of The Chronicle at Willimantic, Conn. called "Al Jolson • You Aint't Heard Nothing The photo showed him doing a demonstration Yet" which mentions Al's job as an usher for of fire eating. the Walter L. Main Circus, where he worked FAY ALEXANDER, former aerialist and com- for two seasons about 1901. The book is pub- edy car performer, is now the director and lished by Barnes. supervisor of the "Be A Star Circus" at Circus World Park in Florida. JOHN CORNELIUS, close-up magician, was a guest on the John Davidson TV Show on Feb. 4th. JOSEPH L. ANTALEK (73) a former vaude- ville and circus performer, died Feb. 1st at a DARRYL PONICSAN, author of "Ringmaster" nursing home in Wheaton, III. A native of hun- is preparing a movie script for an upcoming gary, he performed with Ringling-Barnum,Po- film to be called "Ringmaster". Time-Life, Inc lack Bros., and other major shows as part of will be producing the film. the Five Antateks. He retired several years ago. REV. AUSTIN MILES, the Show Business Survivors include his wife, Melanie; a daughter Chaplain, has signed with WAYNE McCARY Valerie Cothern and two grandchildren. Page 14 February 23, 1981 "AMERICAN MUSEUM ^MAGIC A conjuring congress of mementoes, relics, memorabilia. Special Consideration for All Show People souvenirs and apparatus of Trailers delivered anywhere at nominal rates all the prominent /•/.'u/ I >sOKS ()/ f'fit S///JK,// U/0\ CALL OR WRITE from I $84 JOHNMAROONE to approximate!*, last night. 2550 Walden Ave. Buffalo, NY 14225 Phone: 1 716-681 1700 ^ Marshall,Michigan 49068 U.S.A.

the cage and on to the hippodrome track. The return of Cimon's Chimps is wonderful. Cimon still has a fabulous routine, beautiful CIRCUS VARGAS equipment, and a well disciplined group of BY JIM KELLY chimps. For Circus Vargas' dates in National City and I observed the replacement of the floor sec- Chula Vista (Calif) stores were well covered tions in the center ring, some were missing with show cards and there were lots of TV when the cover was put over them and it was spots on the major area stations. a wonder the chimps could ride their bikes at all. The show arrived on the lot in a rain storm followed by on and off showers, while the big The Flying Espanas, over ring 1 and ring 3, top was being set up. The sun came out about two groups, four in each group, two males noon and things moved like clock work. The and two females in each group. They do a first show had a full house and can were park nice clean cross-over, as welt as a triple from ed up to % quarters of a mile away. (I was one each. of those). Rex Williams closes with three rings of ele- Cliff Vargas has a good show again this year phants, with Rex in the center ring directing and we wish him well. Wade Burck opens the the bulls from horseback and ending with the show with the Hawthorn tigers (15). He long mount on the hippodrome track - really makes them work. I give credit where credit impressive! is due. His final bit is hooking a leash on a ti- This is circus as it should be, and a good sea- ger and carrying it across his shoulders out of son to you all. The Circus Report Page 15

formance was coming to an end. The flames quickly engulfed the tent and the cushioned chairs and the crowd of MANY KILLED IN CIRCUS FIRE people rushed for the exits. Several of the Fire swept through a circus in southern In- people were trampled in the stampede. dia, in the city of Bagalore, on Feb. 7th, Authorities cut off power to the area and reducing the main tent to ashes within min- diverted traffic after the fire. Bangalore hos- utes and killing as many as 100 spectators pitals were crowded with sobbing people and performers and injuring some 500 searching for missing relatives. people. A news source quoted the circus manager "Screaming people ran helter-skelter, creat- as saying the cause of the fire was not ing panic in the circus area, near the Bang- know. He surmised that it might have been alore railway station," a news reporter said. started by a careless smoker's cigarette. Hundreds of people were rushed to three government-run hospitals in Bangalore, 775 miles south of the Indian capital. Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka State. HARRY JENKINS, San Diego organist, will Scores of school children and women per- be playing the big pipe organ at Grant High ished when the flames quickly spread in all School in Sacramento, Calif., on March 15. directions, filling the circus tent with smoke. The event is for the Sierra Chapter of the Firefighters in heavy padded uniforms and American Theatre Organ Society, and he will gas masks carried many of the injured chil- be playing for the silent film "Beau Geste" dren and women out of the circus on stre- which features Ronald Coleman, Noah Beery, tchers. Neil Hamilton, Mary Astor and Mary Brian, The blaze erupted in the tent packed with as well as for a sing-along just before the 2,000 people as the three-hour matinee per- film is shown. CAN PLACE For 1981 Season

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JORDAN MARSH CIRCUS The Jordan Marsh Center Ring Circus, produ- ced by J. F. Promotions, has been playing se- IDCK NOLAN veral dates in the east this month. Acts appearing in the show's program are: Miss WORLD'S TALLEST CLOWN Marie and Katie, with their Chimpanzees Bon- go and Sammy; Jimmie & Millie, comedy bal- - OPEN FOR 1981 - ancing and juggling; Marie and Katie, acroba- tics; Caroline's Performing Poodles; Mike Mon- roe, clown Mr. Tall Top; Magic act "Houdina" Own transportation and props Sword Swallowing and fire eating. Jerry Fields served as ringmaster. Past experience • 5 seasons on Great American Circus

Miscellaneous Write or Call: First prize in the float division of the Philadel- phia Mummers New Years Parade this year, 912 Front Street was won by the Tuco Troupe. They had a Princeton, W. Va. 24740 high wire set up on a long flat bed truck, com- plete with upright poles, cable and balancing 304 - 425 - 3109 poles. Two or three men and a woman were involved in the float display.

FREE CONCESSION FORUM SET WANTED A free forum for Greater Pittsburgh Area Op erators of Concession Stands for Youth Base- - Family Acts doing 2 or more - ball Organizations, Parks and Recreation De- partments, Municipal Parks, Campgrounds, - Animal Acts doing 2 or more - Swim Pools, Volunteer Fire Depts, School and Religious Fund Raising Groups, Stores and others having an interest, will be held on FOR SPRING AND FALL TOURS April 5th, 2 to 5 p.m., at Pittsburgh Marriott Parkway West, Greentree Exit, Pittsburgh, Pa. Representatives from any organization operat- ing Snack Bars or Concession Stands are invit- Contact: ed to attend free of charge. A variety of new Fund-Raising snacks will be served. J & E PRODUCTIONS Audience participation will include: Snack Bar P. O. Box 485, Belpre, Ohio 45714 Sales Promotions, Money Safeguarding Proced- ures, Training, "Hand$-0n" Operations of 614-423-6961 or 614-423-8646 Equipment, and an "Ideas" Exchange between operators. Anyone in the Greater Pittsburgh Area interes- ALSO NEED 2 Agents and Good ted in attending the affair may call Area Code Phone People. 412-787-1030, the Gold Medal Office in Pitts- burgh. Page 20 February 23. 1981

BAND CONCERT FRANK DEAN, western star and author, was Called "The American Band Goes to the Cir featured in a half page article in the Daily Led cut" a special circus music concert was pre- ger-Gazette of Lancaster, Calif., on Jan. 28th sented at Roberts Auditorium, Rhode Island His book "Cowboy Fun" is being distributed College on Jan. 18th. through the Dalton Book Stores. Francis M. Marciniak, conducted the band, KING ARTHUR, high wire act, worked at the and Mike Cabral was the ringmaster. Midland Mall in Warwick, R.I., Jan. 7-10. Musical selections for the concert included: THE ZUNIGA FAMILY are presenting their Fanfare; Entry of the Gladiators; Finale rola bola and juggling acts at Circus World from William Telt Overture; The Trombone Park in Florida. Last year they toured with King; Rondo from Prelude, Siciliano and Circus Vargas. Rondo; Garland Entree March; Colossus of Columbia; Lassus Trombone and Miss Trom- AL BELMONT has just completed a four bone; Galop from First Suite for Band; week engagement of presenting his magic March of the Spanish Soldiery; Abdallah, aboard the cruise ship "Vistafjord". He is from Oriental Fox Trot; Circus Polka, com- now touring his illusion show in Penna. and posed for a young elephant; Southern Roses N.J. thru May 4th. Walt;; Broadway One-Step and Barnum and DAVE "Skinhead" LEWIS, clowned and did Bailey's Favorite. his magic at the Winter Carnival at White Lake Inn, Highland, Mich., on Feb. 7-8, for •nm a Jerry Lewis Muscular Distrophy program. JOHNNY ZOPPE, Sr. is staying at home NEW ENGLAND MINI CIRCUS and is not touring with DAVIDE and SU- The New England Mini Circus, produced and SAN this spring. directed by Roger DuBois, of Fall River, Mass. will make its debut this month, playing some 12 dates, mostly school PTA's in Mass, and Conn. Very good advance sales have been re- GET SEATS QUICK. ported. NEW LOCATION Fifth ave. and Fulton st.; old Bay Dis- Acts featured on the program are: Walkaround trict Track. with animals; Peppy's dog act; Jimmie & Mil- Twice Dally. 2 and 8 lie, comedy balancing; Roger DuBois, single p mi Rain or Shine. trapeie on portable rigging; The Great Mys- tical Ouirin, magic; International Showcase Puppets and Archie the clown with balloon animals; Color Book pitch; Chippy the chimp parody by Roger; The Perrys, rola bola and juggling; Mystical Quinn's illusion, change of a man to gorilla. ROUGN SPECIAL FEATURES. The show is exclusively booked by J & M U. S. LIFE SAVERS. Variety Attractions of So. Attleboro. Mass. BUCKING SRONCOS. CAVALRY OF ALL NATIONS. ROOSEVELT'S ROUGH RIDERS. THE WORLD'S WARRIORS. JOHNNY BAKE3, MARKSMAN BATTLE OF SAN JUAN HILL. MARCH OF THE AMERICAN TROOPS. GENE (Hippo) HECKER, who served as the COL W. F. CODY (Buffalo Bill/. 24 hour man for the Beatty-Cole Circus dur- ADMI^Srox. 50r: Children und-r 10 _'".-•. !:••«»:•. .-.i s. ;i:s (Including a«l- ing the 1980 season, died recently in Flor- m>-i'i: . <: •••' On ?a!i- ar Cl;::k \\ .>•• .-c ida. He suffered fatal injuries when crused ." islu St-v-1. G^ury anO GrRni avi-. by a compactor mechanism on a city sani- tation vehicle, on which he had been work- The above advertisement appeared in San ing since the end of the 1980 tour. Francisco, Calif., papers on Sept. 9, 1902. The Circus Report Page 21

The program is as follows: Opening Spec, Cir- cus Celebration; Ursula Boucher, polar bears RINGLING-BARNUM - BLUE UNIT (10); Duo Krisztovand Duo Grzelak, aerial BY LLENRAY J. YARNELL acts; three rings of Cossack Riders; Clowns; Flying Trapeze with the Flying Segreras and Ringling Bros, and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Flying Padillas; Clowns; The King Charles Blue Unit, has started its second year with Troupe; Clowns; Perch Pole with the Polonia the 110th edition and there are a great num Troupe, Duo Dobntch, Gi-orgiev Troupe; the her of changes. Clown Chan-van; The Grantcharnvi aerial act; I saw the show at Lakeland, Fla., on Feb. 3 the Big Spec; Circus Galaxy featuring Betty and 4th. and Johnny Zoppe, Jr., aerial act; Intermis- The following who were with the 110th ed- sion. ition in the first year, are not with them Clowns; Charly Baumann's tigers (13); Elvin now: Michu, Danuta, The Yanchovi, Flying Bale on Wheel of Death; Bareback riding with Farias, the Korin Troupe, The Richters, Kar- The Lipenska, The Slavovi, The Bober; Clown oly Donnert, The Romanovi, and now with number; Teeterboard with The Oblocki, The the Red Unit are The Wozniak and The Silagi, The Kehaiovi; Elephant Calypso with Globe of Death, with Victor Urias. 16 Asian elephants presented by the Gautier New this year are: The Duo Grzelak, Flying family; the Guerrero Troupe, highwire; Elvin Padillas, The Lipenska, The Bober and from Bale, the Human Space Shuttle; Festive Fare- the Monte Carlo Unit, the Duo Dobhtch, The well. Silagi, Charly Baumann, and Elvin Bale who does only the Wheel of Death and the Human Space Shuttle. Lawrence Kelly, a 1979 graduate of the Clown College, has replaced Harold Ronk as ringmaster. Page 22 February 23, 1981

on a small unicycle with a two foot ladder, SPECIAL which naturally, was not enough aid, so the THE HALLS OF FAME . . boy stood on his hands, on his father's right arm, and then stood on his head with the BY BOB STODDARD palm of hts hand. Once upon a time, in the days of the Zop (Yes! Mel mounted the unicycle without pe-Zavatta resinback riding act, there was a any aid). unicyclist by the name of Mel Hall who mar The popular newspaper feature of that de- ried Aurelia Zoppe, a member of the above cade "Believe It or Not" by Robert Ripley named act and an aunt of Joe Zoppe. featured the miniature unicyclist as "the After some time passed they had a son youngest ever." and named him Irving. When sister Carmen became two years old, Nine generations of circus performers on his she too, became a part of the act, as did mother's side and three generations on his brother Jimmy in turn. Baby sister Jeanine father's side lived in the blood that flowed beat them all by starting when she was 18 in the boy's veins. months old. After two whole years as an average circus In 1953 (or 54), Gil Gray of the Gil Gray kid, his father started teaching him to ride Circus featured an act called the "Cycling the unicycle. Whiz Kids" composed of the Hall children, The act was popular and successful until 1976, when the family's love of animals broke up the act, but creating four new acts. Sister Carmen now has My-lmba's Baboons. Brother Jimmy has Castle's Bears (Ever won- der how Jimmy Hall wound up with Castle's Bears? Simple, his middle name is Castle • named after the famous wire walker and cur- rent circus owner). Jeanine works as Javanna with baboons. Besides being an excellent clown, Irving is the only family member who still has a urn cycle riding act, and is performing it current- ly with Circus Atayde in Mexico. Irving couldn't participate because he was performing in the Texas Shrine Circuses, but the rest of the former Whiz Kids found them selves together again, working for Gil Gray at In his father's act, Mel came to the point the 1980 State Fair of Texas with their two where he was to mount a nine foot high sets of baboon acts and the bear act. For unicycle • without the aid of a ladder or their second act, the three former Whiz Kids any type. During the build-up for this feat, revived their old act and re-proved an old ad- he looked about for some kind of assistance This was Irvinq's bio act. He would ride in (Continued on Page 24) The Circus Report Page 23 CIRCUS VARGAS (Continued) While the Vargettes prove comely and talen- ACTS WANTED ted in the aerial ballet, the five ladies are lost DOING TWO OR MORE in the reaches of the big top and their routines Clowns • Unicycles - Acrobats • Gorilla pales in comparison to Beatty-Cole or Ring- Etc. ling's dozens of lovelies. Another contingent definitely hindered by small numbers is boss Open around March 13 for 8 weeks clown Dale Longmire's clown alley. There is One Night Stands - One or Two Shows no way four clowns can adequately fill a top in South the size of Vargas'. Perhaps realizing this, there is no walk-around or crazy number; however, BECK'S CIRCORAMA several featured spots are handled excellently Harry Beck, Jr. by the talented funsters. 405 Vally Hill Rd., Griffin, Ga. 30223 The Vargas band this season, an eight piece Phone: 404 • 228 • 3064 ensemble led by Steve Carrol, is the best mu- sical organization I've heard under canvas in When they choose to play the classic gallops, quite a few years. Intonation and attack are waltzes, smears and marches, this group can crisp and clear and the excellent sound sys- "cut it" like veteran windjammers. At times, tem carries the music to every corner of the however, the all important sychronization of big top. The book leans heavily on big band music to acts is sloppy. The young band can jazz arrangements with some classy solos by tend to continue playing a chart without re- a standout woodwind man who is equally at gard for the need to accentuate particular home on sax, flute, clarinet and piccolo. Paul's tricks in a routine. Here the young musicians lead trumpet can take off into the stratos- could use some immediate adjustment. By phere at will, too. just inserting some tempo changes, chords, Traditional circus music is sadly lacking ex- drum rolls, rim shots and dramatic pauses, cept in the cat, bull and clown numbers. they could become an electrifying organiz- ation. With just a little attention in this area, the entire show could take on a new sparkle. Circus Vargas is a big, brassy, beautiful show. RIGGINGS Everything about it is clean, efficient, and impressive. Costumes, props, uniforms, ani- BY mals, and equipment are immaculate. Perfor- SMITH mers and staff are friendly and courteous. America's Big Top Giant is on the road again, 10 years experience with bigger and better than ever. Fans have come to expect a lot from CV, this year's edition cannons, flying saucers, should disappoint no one. trailers, trapeze, cradles, The program (as seen in San Diego): Overture, and nets. National Anthem, Wade Burck, tigers (16) 11 Bengal, 5 white; Vargettes, aerial ballet (5); Built - Repaired Clowns; Rola Bola with Manuel Gonzales, the Patricks, Aries Bros.; General Vargas as Pega- Re-designed sus; Dressage (3); The Franconi Duo; Vince Carmen, illusions; Clowns; Cemon's Chimps; Have you an idea? CV Menagerie (llamas, camels, zebra); Con- Would you like me to tortion by Miss Sylvia, Miss Carol; Juggling by Los Ortanis, Osrnani Sisters, Pat Davidson; dream one up for you? Spec featuring entire cast, General Vargas and Give me a call: slide-for-life; Intermission; The Flying Espan- as (2 acts); Clowns; Samoyeds (3 rings); Armon 503 - 362 - 1472 Duo, aerial; The Kneisleys, aerial; Anastosini Salem, Oregon Bros., risley; Victor Arata, Senor Ariz, low wire; Liberty Horses, Henri Wagneur (3 rings); Ele- It's not so far away. phants Hoedown, Rex and Ava Williams (3 rings). MEL HALL (Continued) in the age, "If you did it before, you can do it PARK AGREES TO SETTLEMENT again!" The Consumer Product Safety Commission re Mrs. Hall says that "after a four year lay-off ports the Marriott Corp. has agreed to pay a from the unicycles, the act came back quickly $70,000 settlement for offering a hazardous • but the muscles were sore for the first few product in connection with its rides at their shows. amusement park in Santa Clara, Calif., and Someday the Hall of Fame will have to rec- Gurnee, III. kon with the fame of the Halls! At least a dozen collisions of roller coaster cars at those parks have caused "a substan- ular reports to the commission for two years tial number" of injuries and the death of a In a similar case, Kawaski Motors Corp. has 14 year old boy, the commission said. agreed to spend an estimated $3 million to The rides have been modified since the fatal $4 million to recall about 16,500 snowmo- accident, but Marion agreed to submit reg- biles and will also pay a $90,000 penalty. The Circus Report Page 25

CIRCUS ARTS CENTER FOR SALE BY FRANK MARA The Circus Arts Center, 412 Washington St., WITH PROPER PERMITS Hoboken, N.J. 07030, held its "graduation program on Jan. 22nd. (See CR, Jan. 19/81) 18 Month old Male Chimp - The program showed several of the Center's $12,000 107 students in various stages of training in tumbling, wire, juggling and balance. Lion Cubs $400 Receiving graduation certificates were the Les Cougar Cubs $950 Chrissen's (Christine Glover and Philippe Ver- Tiger Cubs $700 sen) in their new acts. Working together, The Les Chrissen's do a very complete cradle act Baby Cayuchin $700 including some nice wrist and ankle catches. Baby Hymadryas, Female - The male member does a single trap number complete with ankle drops and knee catches. $700 His partner contributes a tray and glass bal- ance on a 6 ft. pole on her forehead while doing ground rollovers. A knock-away and a catch, and tray and glasses are transferred ANTONIO ALENTADO to a sword and dagger mouth balance and she 9564 S. W. 58th Street mounts a globe to work it up a 20 ft. ramp, transferring to a ladder and descent. Miami, Fla. - 33173 The founders and directors of the school are 305 -595 -9428 Gregory Fedin and Nina Krasavina, 20 year veterans of the Moscow State Circus, follow- ed by 6 years of U. S. engagements including ballet, a degree in Physical Education and a Paul Kaye, the Gardens, Emmett Kelly, Jr., championship in Sports Acrobatics. the Hollywood Paladium and New York's Now thoroughly established by its founders, Big Apple Circus. Their credits also include the Center is receiving support from a body of volunteers who already have obtained two grants for the school. Although many students Circus Books are enrolled because of hobby, sports acroba- Greatest Show on Earth (Leiner) $ 7.50 tic, or other interests, Krasavina and Fedin are emphatic in stating that their major focus Real Ringmaster - Miles Austin 9.00 is in training and creating professional acts Book of Clowns • Spaeight 20.00 for the circus. They feel that their school is History of the Circus - Spaeight 20.00 unique for this reason. Behind the Big Top (Signed) 19.95 A certificate on the wall accrediting the Cen- Barnum Presents Jenny Lind 20.00 ter as a vocational school for Circus Arts from A Seat At The Circus - Coxe 17.50 the New Jersey Dept. of Education, supports Corlorful World of Circus (signed) 7.50 this statement. It is no secret that many man- Bring on the Clowns • Hugill 11.00 agers and agents are in contact. Circus (before 1835) - Greenwood 5.50 The Center has 4000 square feet of space with Born to Be (Mr. John's Valet) 6.00 a 25 ft. ceiling (due to be heightened by cut- Buffalo Bill - Yost (signed) 17.50 ting through to the next floor) with steel Circus World PB (Sci-Fiction) 2.50 beams. An inspection shows almost every type Hoot Gtbson - Photo History 7.00 of circus apparatus present, and there is a wood and metal shop where props and rigging are Circus Moves by Rail (signed) 35.00 built on the premises. Many others - Send Wants - Stamp for List Also of possible interest to acts in the area is FRANK BARRY the fact one wall is covered top to bottom with 707 So. Warnock St. Phila. Pa. 19147 white roll paper to facilitate professional action photos. Page 26 February 23, 1981 FLYING ACT Catcher Availabe - Also Cloud want to Buy Swing Act. 8x10 Press and Publicity Photos of any cir- cus acts - Especially Animals and Clowns. Call: Mel Will buy whole collections. 702 - 733 - 7185 KENTGHIRARO 3027 Alapali Place, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

been opened and it is no longer on our whole sale list. By the time you read this price increases on many of the Mickey Hades publications will BY LLOYD E. JONES be in effect. Genii Illusions is now $18.50 A local man complained abou. the price of the for example and Illusionisseme is $37.50. Se- Oakland (Calif) Magic Circle banquet since it veral of his standards remain unchanged. But cost $12.00. Wow! Well, he should attend the better check before you order. 13th annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards The Byron Wei's two volume book of illus- Banquet, held at the Bclverly Wilshire, where ions is again available, the new price is $69.95 the price is $45 and it's black tie, of course. which is quite a jump. Postage runs $1.47 and The University of Southern California offers insurance runs $1.10. another series of lessons on close-up magic The popular series by Howard Adams, O.I.C. taught by Jim Kahlert. Classes start on March U.F.E.S.P. (Oh, I see you have E.S.P.) I am 4th, and run for six weeks on Wednesday informed that Vol. 7 is on the press and Vol. nights • the cost is $80.00. 8 is getting art work. So, No. 7 will be ready The death of Goodliffe, publisher of Abra has by the time you read this and all the others led to the discontinuance of "Abracasseta" are obtainable at $5.00 each. Two or three the monthly hour long tape of magic interest, can be mailed at the minimum postage rate news interviews, tricks. Abra itself will con- of 59c. tinue under the editorship of the experienced Donald Bevan. The weekly is now in its 1800 issue and is printed via offset, giving it a much better look that in the past. The subscription rate has been increased, though the single copy price is still 40c. Hallmark offered a Valentine Day card "For You Son" some valentine magic tricks. Three simple tricks were explained which should PEOPLE have delighted the small fry. MANZlNI's Magic-Thrill Circus will be play- The McGill-Hull Encyclopedia of Illusions is ing a series of Police sponsored dates in the now practically sold out. The last carton has East during the month of March. The Circus Report Page 27 AVAILABLE COSTUMES Experienced former General Manager All TYPCS Of WAROROM MAOC of circus and animal trainer, all around TO O*D€R -- OR PfcOfESStONAUY WStGNED man, seeks position with traveling show, BY AlENA park or circus. Resume upon request. AlENA BAIOUN 304 SOUTH PARK BlVD Call: 608 • 356 • 3784 - NO COLLECTS VINK3. FLA 33595 (813) 488 4506 Or wite: BILL SOLIS 224 • 3rd St. Apt. 4, Baraboo, Ws 53913

RAYMUNu BEhtt (741, of Montdait, uaiif. A member of the Aerial Behees who were with the Christ and Howe, Al G. Barnes and other circuses of the 20's and 30's passed away Feb. FIRE VICTIMS TRAMPLED 2nd. Survivors include four children, eight Feb. 7 - Bangalore, India - Most of the 66 grandchildren and a brother in Sarasota. One people killed in a fire in a crowded circus brother who passed away several years ago, tent in this southern Indian town were was featured doing his triple in his flying act trampled to death. on the Ringling show in the 1940's. About 4,000 people were attending the per- JUDY COYLE, a daughter of Bernie and Lela formance when the fire started near the end Behee Griggs, passed away in Nov. 1980. She of the afternoon show and quickly swept was the grand-daughter of Blanch Reed who across the tent, bringing it down in flames was the star bareback rider of the Barnum on the crowd. About a third of the dead Circus at the turn of the century. She is sur- were children. vived be her husband, John, four children and two sisters. Page 28 February 23, 1981

HELEN WILSON - Show Organist (Own Equipment) 704 - 786 - 4563 WANTED Write: Box 1167, Concord, NC 28025 FAMILY ACT doing 3 or more ground acts - No Magicians, No Clowns. Call: 812 - 362 • 8105

BY WILLIAM WOTSCH PEOPLE Speaking of ice shows, I attended the World ALTOFF'S Performing Bears were featured Premiere in Hollywood of the Ice Follies in on the TV show "Those Amazing Animals" 1942. It was at the Pan Pacific Building and which was aired on Feb. 8th. had the largest ice surface I had ever seen, with lots of ice area backstage to practice on. MANZINI, featured at the Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn. (Feb. 10-15) was booked in- In 1938, it was the first year that the Ice Fol to the date by the Bill Shilling Agency of Sar lies went west and appeared at the Polar Pal- asota, Fla. He is now playing a college tour ace in Hollywood. That same year they ap- with his two hour Magic-Thrill Show. peared at the Pan Pacific Building which was new then. MOREY AMSTERDAM, who was recently Also, in 1942,1 attended a performance of featured in SID KELLNER's "Old Time Vaude the Ken Murray Blackouts at the El Capitan ville Show" is currently appearing in "Burles- Theatre in Hollywood. Jack Millball and que USA" at the Sahara Tahoe Club. The show Mane Wilson were in this show. also features EDDIE BRACKEN and TEMPT - EST STROM. During the intermission Ken Murray pointed us out and we got a big ovation. REV. AUSTIN MILES' startling but inspirat- Also visited Republic Studios when John ional book "The Real Ringmaster" published Wayne was filming "Flying Tigers". by New Leaf Press, is selling out in Christian book stores in both the U.S. and Canada. the ivory trade slaughter between 50.000 and 150,000 each year. ELEPHANT PROTECTIVE PROGRAM The World Wildlife Fund has created an Afri- The market value of Ivory has soared in the can Elephant Action Plan. They need $1.1 last five years. Like gold and silver, it has be- million to implement it. come a "liquid commodity." The Action Plan will: A single pair of elephant tusks weighing 22 + Finance heavier anti*poaching efforts in Af- ibs. will bring up to $500 • an amount equal rica's national parks. to a year's income for many people in Africa, + Regulate the ivory trade more closely, using so poachers kill to get them. bans where necessary. The current epidemic of "ivory fever" is the + Launch action to halt destruction of the ele- deadliest since before World War I. If some- phant's habitat. thing isn't done about it • and soon • the + Award wildlife training schorlarships to Af- world's largest land mammal may not sur- rican students and fund local environmental vive. education. Elephant killers operate singly and in gangs. + Carry out action projects in each of the 35 They kill with snares, poisoned arrows, fire- African nations where the elephant still exists arms and even sophisticated automatic wea- Sample costs include Uganda ($55,000), Tan- pons. Recently there have been reports of zania ($163.000) and C.A.R. ($175,000). poisoned waterholes and poisoned fruit set One thing is absolutely vital to the success of out along elephant trails, thus often killing the Action Plan: financial help from citizens, whole families. send your tax-deductible contribution to the Today there are an estimated 1.3 million ele- World Wildlife Fund-U.S.. 1601 Connecticut phants left in Africa. Of these, poachers for Ave.. N.W., Washington, DC 20009. Page 30 February 23. 1981

CHARLES PITCHFORD (Continued) cm. tt was a showing ot Mingling Bros. Bar- num & Bailey (1950) under tent in the Fair- field area of Jacksonville, Fla. Barnes, Al G.: Master Showman, 1938, Charles and childhood buddy, Harold Hiatt London red 288 p, sl/sw - $28.50 (husband of equestrian Cilly Fient, and living Christopher, M: The Illus. History of Ma- in Glendale, Calif.) have both kept alive their gic, 1973, London oversize, dj, 452 p. lifelong love of the shows and their friendship many pictures, vg • $32.50 remained close even though separated by a continent. Chipperfield, Mary: Circus Book, 32 p. sf cover, colorful cover, story of Queen of Charles always visited "quarters" at Deland the Circus - $5.00 anytime he was in the area, he always caught Coco the Clown: Behind My Greasepaint, every show he could possibly see anywhere, dj, torn at top, 1950 London, 50 illus., within 100 mile radius of Jacksonville, or back 126 p. - $25.00 - One without dust jack- in Greensboro anytime he happened to be vis- et - $22.50 iting, in his home town. He never got over his Foster, F: Pink Coat Spangles and Sawdust first love of the tent show for the mechanics of it were his particular fascination. As an 55ilus.176p. -$25.00 adult he got out to San Antonio to visit the Crock: Life's A Lark, translated from Ger- collection in the public library; made Peru, man 1931, written by the famous clown, Ind., a stop-bff point on a cross-country trip; 276 p. gd - $35.00 twice got to Baraboo and was able to make Grock: King of Clowns, dj, 1st Enq. ed., his stay at least through two days; managed 1957, 221 p-$35.00 a half day while in New England at Benson's Jolly, W. P.: Jumbo, dj, London 1976, Animal Farm near Nashua, NH, and when in biog. of famous elephant, 173 p., illus Vermont he went through the circus build- -$18.50 ing at Shelburne three times. When he told Keller. G.: Here Keller Train This, dj, the attendant some of the history of one of London 1962,190 p. b7w photos, writ- the wagons, she immediately added this infor- ten by the famed animal trainer. mation to her spiel. As a Florida resident he Knight, L: Oil Paint & Grease Paint, au- visited Circus World periodically and the Sara- to biog. 1st vol. soft cover, 1941 - sota and Venice areas even more often. He was $8.50 several times in audiences for the home shows Mannix, D: Memoirs of a Sword Swallow of Florida State University Flying High and er. London 1st ed. 1951, 230 p. $22.50 upon one occasion saw some Sailor Circus acts Mills, B: Circus, dj, 1st ed. London 1967, at Sarasota. si/rub on title p., illus., 270 p • $32.50 The Hoxie show became his all-time favorite Oliver, E. T.: The Clown, London 1st ed, the past 15 or 20 years and he last saw it at 1951, a novel-$12.50 Fernandina, Fla. in 1980. Rivel, C.: Poor Clown, dj, colorful, trans- Reading was always a joy to Charles and he lated from Danish, London 1973, 272 p. collected little about the circus to keep ex- near mint, famous int'l clown - $22.50 cept books and the magazines of the trade. Spear, G & D: Circus Down Under, 1960 He read and re-read his material until he was a great true story of the life of perfor- a walking encyclopedia of the circus. mers in Australia, 220 p - $18.50 Jan. 21, 1981, Charles and I, celebrated our Send self-addressed, stamped envelope for 42nd wedding anniversary. During the course a new list. of the day we purchased tickets to the Ring- McGINN'S BOOKS ling Show's opening performance in Jackson- 121 N. Mt Vemon, Prescott, Arz.86301 ville on Feb. 4,1981. Charles died in his steep at 3 a.m. on Jan. 22nd. I will take a friend and attend the show and see all I can for Charles. He was a fanto the The Sells Floto Ring CMB will hold a Spring And of his life at age 66. Exhibit ct JVoonsocket, R.I. Feb. 28-Mar. 1. The event will be sponsored by the Parents Assoc. of the Mt. St. Charles Academy. RINGLING BROS. - BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS at Madison Square Garden, New York City - 1931