9th Year

JjTBEITjJiaCjji

March 31, 1980 Number 13

Page 2 March 31, 1980

WILLIAMSBROS.

CIRCUSWE NEED FOR '80 SEASON • TwoClowns, Booking Agent, Working Men -Show Opens Mat 10th.

WILLIAMS BROS. CIRCUS2635 Norton RoadKent, Ohio - 44240

GEORGE LOCKHART (96) well-known circus \ringmaster with British circuses, died in England 'on Oct. 8th. He was a circus ringmaster from1914 to 1945, appearing with most of the majorBritish circuses. He was popular with circus per-formers and patrons alike, A daughter, who lives,in Blackpool, survives him.

AOOLPH 'TRIPOLI" CRISTIANI (70), a wellknown world famous acrobat and ground tumb-ler, died at a Sarasota, Fla., hospital on March15th. He performed at such places as the Lon-don Palladium, Radio City Music Hall, The La-tin Quarter and top TV shows. He had lived inSarasota since 1940 and was a member of theShow Folks of Sarasota and AGVA.Survivors include his wife, Chita, two sons, Na-dio and Livio, a brother, Remo and sister Er-mide Loyal, plus several grandchildren.

MADELYN MOORE (24) daughter of the latecircus owner Jack Moore, died March 4th inTexas. She was bom in Hugo, Okla., but for thepast several years had lived in Grand Prairie,Texas. Her father founded the Carson & BarnesCircus and she performed with that show formany years.Survivors include her mother, Mrs. Angela Ake-man, step-father Ted Akeman, two brothers,Mike and Danny, two sisters, Wanda Hooverand Martha Moore.

THE CIRCUS REPORT 1$ published each weekby Don Marcks. 525 Oak St., El Cerrtto, Calif. -94530 - Phone: 415-525-3332.SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $15.00 per year. Over-seas via surface mall Is $20.00 per year.ADVERTISING RATES: (First Come Basis) Mln-,/num ad $5.00; Quarter Page $10.00; Half Page$20.00; Full Page $35.00

On The CoverThis week's cover picture, in water colors, waspainted by Robert B. Johnson and is titled "AnEarly Day Truck Show."The scene shows a small early American truckshow whose major animal attractions consistedof do$ and ponies. It is that rest period, afterthe circus has been set up and before the mat-inee is scheduled.

In Memoham

FRANK WHEELER (73), leader of the "Wheel-er Marimba Merry Makers", died in a WalnutCreek, Calif., hospital on March 10th. A nativeof England, he lived in the Walnut Creek/Con-cord area for 50 years. He retired from the ShellOil Co., in 1949 and then devoted his full timeto the musical act.

Survivors include his wife, Bayless, a daughterDelete, two grandchildren and Emmy Kasch, whowas a member of the act.

AMAZING A*r ia l Acts, In Th« TraditionOf BLOOMINGTON, ILL Trained By ROD

(Hard way) MAC KEN Zl E.I 1 1 at Chicago.

!"."' lnl.-i.ui,.. •\ |>.u>.

Cootact;4917 N DAMEN AVE (Front)CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.«0625UNITED STATES0^Am«rica

The Circus Report Page 3

FRANZEN BROS. CIRCUS

. . . b y (M.T.I Johnnie Marshall

The mighty Fran/en Bros. Circus opened its '80season on a glorious note in Appollo Beach, Fla.with a very nice crowd, which included both cir-cus folks and circus fans.The show was very lively and ran smoothly des-pite any opening day jitters. There were severalnew features, one of which is a new back doorwith glitter letters over the bandstand, spellingout the show's name.Wayne Franzen, owner and producer, has shownsome more of his ingenuity by merging the spooland generator and thereby eliminating a truck.The show this year is carrying its usual comple-ment of almost 50 wild and domestic animals infour show trucks, plus two trailers.The program featured: Wayne Franzen, lions andtigers; Curtis and Bryant, spinning ladder; Freddothe clown, a camera bit; Tonto the wonder pony;Curtis Kid Caiman, juggling; Freddy the clownwith plate spinning; Kid Ossie and a camel andllama; Miss Tina, web; Dennis Michaels, goats;Intermission; Kid Caiman, wire act; Brian Fran-zen with Cecil the donkey; Freddy the clown,hot water bottle gag with Dennis and Lynn Mi-chaels; Wayne Franzen, Okha the elephant; MissTina, single trapeze; Kid Cainan, dogs; ChiefWhite Feather and 12 liberty horses.Lynn Michaels was the organist and Charlie Jac-kson was the drummer.

... by "Circus Joe" Valenciano

This writer made his first visit to the FranzenBros. Circus which gave two performances atAppollo Beach, Fla. on March 9th.The show was presented under a blue top whichwas about a 60 ft round with one middle. Showtrucks consist of four with each one lettered.The spool-light plant is a unique combinationand I never saw anything like it. There is the

The Indian Cultural Exchange program is send-ing popular magician Sorcar, Jr. on a tour ofthe Philippines and other Far Eastern Countriesfor the months of April and May.The show troupe consists of 23 people, whichincludes 8 girl assistants and four musicians.Sorcar reports that some 48 cubic tons of showequipment was sent by ship to Manila

pole/bleacher semi, concession trailer, animalsemi and a cage trailer.The show has a number of acts highlighted byWayne Franzen with cage act (3 lions, 2 tigers),elephant, and a nice liberty act of 12 horses.Program is backed by organ and drums. Amongthe visitors seen on the lot were June Russle,Bonnie Bonta. Mr. Arturo and the Valencianos.

... by Llenray J. Yarnell

On March 9th, I saw Franzen Bros. Circus at Appolio Beach, Fla. It is a small one ring show, butvery entertaining. The program runs about 100minutes including the intermission.The steel cage is at one end of the tent with twoquarter poles inside the steel cage.The program ran as: Elephant hde pitch in thering until show starts; Color book with programinsert pitch; 3 lioness and 2 tigers presented byWayne Franzen; Revolving ladder with Curtis C.and Bryan G.; Freddie the clown; ArithmeticHorse presented by Wayne Franzen; Juggling byCurtis "Kid" Cainan; Freddie; Camel and Llamapresented by Wayne Franzen and Curtis Cainan;Spanish web by Tina Brown; Dennis Mitchellpresenting 8 goats, ending in a long mount; In-termission.Curtis "Kid" Cainan, low wire; Wayne Franzenson Brian presenting a donkey; Freddie; Elephantpresented by Wayne Franzen; Tina Brown on thesingle trapeze; Curtis Cainan and his 3 dogs, andthe 12 horse liberty act presented by WayneFranzen.

Page 4 March 31, 1980

Show DatesBeatty-Cole Circus

Mar31-Apr2 Hickory, NCApril 3-4 Rock Hill, SC

5-6 Florence

Big John Strong CircusMar. 26 Tulare, Calif.

Carson & Barnes CircusApr. 4 Hugo, Okla.

6-7 Hurst, Texas

Hubert Castle CircusMar. 31 Pendleton, OregonApr. 2-3 Missoula, Mont.

Circus VargasMar3l-Apr3W. Covina, Calif.Apr. 4-6 Burtoank

Cole All Star TV CircusMar. 31 Bristol, Conn.

- End of Tour-

Hoxie Bros. CircusMar. 31 Key Largo, Fla.Apr. 1 Homestead

2 Hollywood3 Vero Beach4 Port St. Lucie5 Okeechobee

Kelly Bros. CircusMar. 31 Navasota, TexasApr. 1 Brenham

Ringling-Barnum • Blue Unitto June 1 New York, NY

Ringling-Barnum • Red Unitto April 7 Washington, DC

Royal Hanneford CircusApr. 4-12 Marietta, Ga.

Royal Lichtenstein CircusMar. 31 De Kalb, III.Apr. 1 Crawfordsville, Ind.

2 West Lafayette3 Muncie4 Kalamazoo

Shrine CircusesApr. 4-5 W. Palm Beach, Fla.

4-6 Tacoma, Wash.

- • - • M A G I C • • - -

Amazing ConklinsMar. 31 Self ridge, NDApr. 1 Wakpalo, SD

2 Timberlake3 Marmath

Berwin & BrewsterMar. 31-Apr. 6 Brownsville, Tenn.

Blackstone Magic ShowMar. 25-Apr. 6 Washington, DC

Kelmar's Showtime USAMar. 31 Bluffton, OhioApr. 1 Forest

Felix Snipes -Magic/ESPApr. 4-5 Birmingham, Ala.

OTHER DATES- - - -

Babes in ToylandMar. 31-Apr. 7 Toronto, Ont.

James H. Drew ExpositionMar. 31-Apr. 5 Belmont, NC

Jett's Petting ZooMar. 27-Apr. 5 San Bernardino, Calif.

Sport ShowMar. 28-Apr. 6 Minneapolis, Minn.

White House in MiniatureApril 2-6 Cheyenne, Wyom.

Prof. Miller's Magic Time USAApr. 1 Harrisonburg, Pa.

2 Waynesboro3 Charlestown, W. Va.5 Brunswick. Md.

NOW THAT THE USA has fallen all over itselftelling Canada what a great country it is what I'dlike to know is why has it taken so long? Put ac-tion where the voice is, USA and relax the strin-gent border regulations for Canadian performersand extend a REAL hand of friendship!

SPEAKING of Canada the "cold date" produc-ed by Garden Bros. Circus in Toronto was thesort of winner to warm the cockles of a produc-er's heart. Biz was super-terrific with the Satur-day matinee packed to the rafters and a turn-away of 2000 persons! All houses were at leastthree-quarters full -this in a 16,000 seat capa-city. Media Blitz was extensive and the showcapitalized on its TV exposure through associa-tion with CTV and the hit program CIRCUS! asall acts on the show had appeared on the pro-gram and heading the cast were guest stars CALDODO and SHERISSE LAWRENCE, Canada'sanswer to DONNIE & MARIE. The two youngCanadian stars performed well in an alien envir-onment and were popular backstage with thecircus folks. Dodd dressed in the men's dressingroom, Sherisse with the gals., eschewing privatedressing rooms; neither put on "star" airs andare to be congratulated for their conduct

ANSWERING THE MAILBAG: In that the is-sues of Feb. 11 and 18th seem to be "pick onBilly weeks" I am moved for the first time in 5years of columnizing to defend myself. Norm-ally I ignore the mailbag critics but two weeksin a row is just too much.

MY first reply is to the Rev. Austin Miles: Theword "contrive", according to my InternationalDesk Dictionary, means to "manage by resourcefulness/a means of meeting". Thus I neither re-tract, nor apologize for, the use of that word.That I was "visibly upset" by your entering theministry is a slight distortion of the truth. I wasDISMAYED because you had not been active asa ringmaster. By your own admission you hadonly recen+lv begun to play circus dates again.How a man chooses to devote his personal inter-ests is, always will be, his affair.

YOUR "claiming" me for Jesus Christ is mag-nanimous but I rather resent the implication thatI am "godless" and that you have the temerityto judge me thus, when the reverse is true. I hap-pen to believe that a person's faith, (whatever hisreligious convictions), should be private and neednot be displayed by a white collar or public af-

firmation. It is after all, what a man DOES thatcounts, not what he SAYS - the principles andethics by which he lives.

CERTAIN people would have others live byTHEIR rules, all in the name of religion. Now .while your calling is indeed an honorable oneand fits YOU that does not imply it must fitME. I respect your way of life, Austin; be sokind as to respect mine.

To JON FRIDAY: The information re: CarderJohnson Circus playing Grand Rapids itemed inmy May, 28, 1979 column was given to me byMr. Larry Carden himself during the San Fran-cisco engagement. Now when I am told some-thing of this nature by a producer it seems un-necessary to check it. What I'd like to know iswhy, since that item appeared nine months priorto your letter, did you or the Castle organizationwait so long to ask for a retraction?

To MABEL ROBERTSON: Mr. Trevor Bale in-formed me personally that his son was a doublewinner. I admit to mixing up the gold and silverclown awards but this was unintentional. For-tunately I made no mention of the FranconiDuo winning or not winning which the phrasingof your letter indicates.TO ALL READERS: There are times when

false items do indeed creep into my column, us-ually given to me by first-hand parties, becauseI am ALWAYS careful about second and thirdhand information and try to check such items.In addition, some items become obsolete owingto the length of time between my writing of acolumn and its publication. Deals have a way offalling through and I have no control over lastminute, or eleventh hour changes. That, as theysay, is show business.

WHEN they conclude their engagement in Al-toona for Ian Garden the FLYING LANES aredisbanding. I am sorry to hear this, but can un-derstand their reasons. Pat Lane told me it is justimpossible anymore to make a decent living inshow business and as much as he loves the flyingact profession, he and his partner Dave are forc-ed to give it up. A sad state of affairs when agood-looking fine flying act must bit the dust,all of which confirms my prediction made monthsago that 1980 would see more and more actsleave the circus, and BILL STRONG, who over-

(Continued on Page 23)

March 31, 1980

BRITISH and IRISH CIRCUSES.... ..by Derek Simpson

GANDEY'S CIRCUS owned and directed by Philtip Gandey opened the 1980 season on March 6at Congleton. Returning to Gandey's for the se-cond season is Martin Lacey with his 6 male Af-rican lions. Martin has a new tiger act in training

AUSTENS BROS. CIRCUS opened at Swindonon March 4. and features Austen Bros, lions,elephants, etc., Duo Tovanch, cradle trapeze;Davies' poodles; Duo Delmar, hand balancingand juggling; Tanya Tovanch, revolving aerial.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN FLYING CHEROKE-ES, clown Teddy Green and Ivan Karl, theworld's smallest strongman will be featured onCourtney Bros. Circus in Ireland this year, op-ening after Easter.

BLACKPOOL TOWER CIRCUS which opens inMay will feature Norman Barrett with the Ro-bert Bros, spotted ponies; Wychwoods poodleillusion; Miss Jeiys, sword and dagger balance;Margaret Chipperfield, with a new act including2 zebras, 2 elephants, 2 ponies; the Dolly Sis-ters, American aerial act; Rastellis, musicalclowns, etc.

AT BLACKPOOL Tower Circus in 1981 will beMary Chipperfield with tigers, football dogs, li-berty horses, high school horse. Also the Her-mans, Spanish perch pole balance act.

Books - Just InBentley - History of Circus $ 6.00Burns-Jumbo (P.B.) 3.50Love Of Elephants (Photos).... 12.00Born To Be (Mr. John's Valet).. 5.00Atlantic City (Photos) 8.00Circustime! (Juv.) 7.00Swonzell - Here Come the Clowns 10.00Jolly-Jumbo 12.00Yost-Buffalo Bill 17.50Alderman - Annie Oakley 9.00Mighty Atom (Carny Strong Man) 10.00What Happens at Circus (Beatty) 6.00Greenwood- Circus (before 1835) 6.00Great Menagerie & International Circus

1884 repros.-pop up book (ea) 8.00Finding the Magic Circus (Juv.) 8.00

FRANK BARRY707 So. Warnock Phila, Pa. 19147

DAVID BROWN- PLATE SPINNER/ANNOUNCER -

Call Me:

JACK GOBBLE

713-563-2289

PIRATES OF THE SKY, MARCELLI & JAMSand BILLY BARTON were among the acts seenat Ballingers Night Club in Ontario during themonth of February.

AL DAWLEY, announcer, was presented with aShrine Fez titled "Ringmaster" during the SamT. Polack Circus date at Pine Bluff, Ark. He waspreviously made an Honorary Member of thatShrine Temple.

PAUL HORSMAN, of Auburn, N.Y., reports hehas set up his miniature circus at the Museumand folks in the area are invited to come and seeboth the museum and circus. Clown BOB OW-EN was a recent visitor there,

PAM PAU LSO N is the new editor of the Show-folks of Sarasota's Newsletter.

WHIZZER the Clown, will be presenting hisclown magic shows each day as well as servingas MC for other shows at the New Paltz, N.Y.,Fair in Up-state New York, Aug. 5-10.

DOROTHY WINN has signed Chaplain AUSTINMILES to serve as ringmaster for the annualMoolah Temple Shrine Circus at St. Louis forJune 4-8.

FOR SALE30 ft Ultimate II Combination Horse ana

Live-in Trailer6 cu. ft. Refrigerator - Eye Level Oven &Cook Topstove - Double Sink -- AmandaMicrowave Oven - Forced Air Furnace -10 in. Color TV with Skyline Antenna -Sleeps 4 - Battery Charger and Converter- Shower and Toilet.

Write: FRANK STROUTP. 0. Box 130Peaster, Texas - 76074

Phone: (817)594-8353

OUR SINCERE THANKS

TO

CLIFFORD E. V A R G A S

For the purchase of your new 150 ft. x 350 ft.

Big Top and Marquee

AF TENT & SAIL,

P. O. Box 3324S A R A S O T A , FLORIDA - 33578

(813) 95S - 6 1 3 5

Designers and Builders of CIRCUS BIG TOPS and C A N V A S SPECIALTIES

PageS March 31, 1980

In Memoriam-rv

ROBERT HUTCHINSON (55) died of cancer ata hospital in Milwaukee, Wise., on March 12th.He was bom in Menominee and was an avid cir-cus fan. A veteran of World War II and a formerclothing manager for Montgomery Ward, he firstjoined Carson & Barnes in 1979 and tour withthem from that time on. He served as a BrigadeManager with the show. Survivors include twosons and two brothers.

FOR SALEWIZ FLASH

EFFECT: Photo Flash Cube (MagicCube Type) is tossed or haned out toa member of the audience. Performer'shands are shown to be completely em-pty. Cube is returned to the performerand with no false moves the cube iscaused to flash at the will of the perfor-mer.

There is nothing to add or palm off.

You can shoot all four sides of the ma-gicecube as desired.

This bare hand miracle works anywhereanytime. Close-up or on stage.

By itself "Wiz Flash" is spectacular anda puzzling attention grabber.

WHAT YOU RECEIVE: A supply ofthe "somethings" that make it work.These can be used over and over for hun-dreds of performances.

Included is a manuscript of twelvestunts, gags and magic effects using "WizFlash". Featured is a routine where youuse the cube as a mini-microwave ovenand bake a cake in spectator's pocket.

Presented on the Cabaret Show at recentHollywood Cavalcade of Magic. The act received a standing ovation.

Sent complete via First Class Mail

-$4.00-

FRANK HERMAN185-8th Street, West

Bandon, Oregon -97411

ISHMAILA TEMPLE SHRINE CIRCUS

... by Bill Galloway

The 1980 Ishmailia Temple Shrine Circus wasagain produced by George Hubler. Performanceswere Feb. 29, March 1 and 2 at the War Memor-ial Auditorium in Buffalo, N. Y. Full houses wereseen at the two Saturday shows this write caughtThe program featured: Overture; National An-them and Introductions; Spec with all perform-ers; Jorge Barreda, lions; The Vashek Duo, aerialmotorcycle; Comedy Car, Sir Chadwicke Chase(Happy Davis); Display with Acrobatics, theCharlies (Gut is) , Bikes, The Antonios (Olmedas)Whips by Alonzo (Pancho); Clowns with Strong-man Gag; Display with Afghans, Susan Sheryll(Zoppe) and Dalmations, Miss Trudy (Strong);Comedy Knock-about, the Super Locos; Aerialbalancing and single trapeze by Miss Lou AnnJacobs; Spanish Dressage Horses presented byThe Olmedas; Clown Boxing Number; DavidZoppe & Co., Rhesus Monkeys; Josclito on thehigh wire; Intermission.

A display with unsupported ladders by the Lad-dies (Zoppe), Juggling by the Torino Bros. (Ol-medas), Comedy Trampoline by The Karinas(Karen and Happy Davis); Jungle Parody by theGutis Family; The Flying Valencias; The DianoElephants presented by Lee and Jeanette Keen-er, with Tanya; Aerial hanging perch and singletrapeze by the Quassars (Bill and Trudy Strong)and the Finale.

The show's staff consisted of: George Hubler,producer; Austin Miles, announcer; Boom BoomBrowning, musical director.

Clown Alley included: Wayne Liikala, producingclown with Happy Davis, Lori Miles, DavidStrong and Antonio Olmeda.

COSTUMESAll TYPES OF WARDROBE MAW

TO ORDER - OR PROfESSIONAUY DESIGNEDBY A1ENA

AlENA BAlOUN(813) 488 4506

304 SOUTH PARK 41VDVENICE, FIA 33595

CflMSE'SRussian Wolfhounds

and Pomeranians

1980

WINTER and SPRING DATES

Feb. 1 - New York City - Emmett Kelly, Jr. CircusFeb. 6 thru 10 — Louisville, Ky. — Sam T. Polack CircusFeb. 13 thru 18 — Hartford, Conn. - Hamid-Morton CircusFeb. 22-23-24 - Binghampton, N.Y. - Hamid-Morton CircusFeb. 29, Mar. 1-2 - Allentown, Pa. - Ian Garden CircusMar. 7-8-9 - Reading, Pa. - Ian Garden CircusMar. 22 - Burlington, Vt. - Emmett Kelly, Jr. CircusMar. 23 - Onconta, N. Y. - Circus OdysseyApril 7 - TV - Chicago, IllinoisApril 8 thru 13 — St. Paul, Minn. - Ian Garden CircusApril 21 thru 26 — Altoona, Pa. — Ian Garden CircusApril 27 — Geneseo, N. Y. - Circus OdysseyApril 30 thru May 4 - West Orange, N.J. - Coronas Circus Spectacular

For Open Time Contact Your Agent or:

Owner - Manager: Rudolf SitsP. O. Box 123Bcrdentown, N. J. 08505 Phone: 609 • 298 • 2824

Page 10 March 31, 1980

AT LIBERTY 1980 SEASON- PROFESSIONAL WHITE-FACE CLOWN -

Fifteen yean exper ience in the circus business. Neat, Traditional Wardrobe,Wigs. An appearance that says "Clown".

Formerly with:Hanneford Circus Howard SueszTexas Shrine Dates FlecklesMiller Bros. Curcurama Pan AmericanHamid-Morton (3 years) Ward HallCircus Vargas Ringling Show

Plus, Nine months at Mermaid Theatre, New York City, with weekly kidsshow - Promotions for Frito-Lay - Amusement Parks - Fairs - Etc.

Also available for Side Show with Magic and Inside Lecture - A-1 Seat Butcher - Front Talker.

Wnte: JOE SCHMITT,JR.305 Fleming Drive Hurst, Texas - 76053

— In the tradition of the American Circus —

PAUL PARSONS (Abra the Magic Clown), ofToronto, is presently presenting a series ofclown lectures in schools in Eastern Ontario,paid for and sponsored by the Canadian govern-ment Parsons was for several years advanceclown for Garden Bros. Circus and also manag-ed his own stage unit.

BOB and ROSA GIBBS vacationed in the Baha-mas after winning the free trip in a drawing atSeagoville, Texas. They retained in time to op-en with the Garden-Johnson Circus at Ardmore,Okla.. on March 13th.

TOM OGOEN, magician, will conduct daily clas-ses in magic at the Berkshire Center for the Per-forming Arts at Sheffield, Mass., this summer.The classes are part of the Center's annualTheatre Program.

JOSHUA SILVER and BOB OACARO are hardat work on a project to produce a rodeo in NewYork City from Aug. 15th thru Labor Day.

FRED MARCO, Cranston, R.I., magician and aformer assistant to Harry Blackstone, Sr., recent-ly visited with Harry, Jr. at Providence, R.I. Nowin semi-retirement, Marco was on the Emmett'Kelly, Jr. Circus in 1973 as Merlin the Magician.

BUCK NOLAN, the World's Tallest Clown (7'

Officials at Taranto, Italy, found a new methodto control crowds of youths trying to crash thegate at a performance of the New Trolls, rockgroup - they used elephants.The New Trolls were appearing at a performanceof the Orfei Circus in Italy, and (jangs of youthsrushed the entrance gate after seats were sold outThey solved the problem by bringing out twoelephants from the circus and stationed them infront of the entrance gate.

EDNA ANTES suffered a broken teg as a resultof a fall when she was loading her trailer to startout with the Beatty-Cole Show this season. Shehas been hospitalized at OeLand, Fla., and dur-ing her absence Wilson Storey is working in theshow's new office wagon.

6") spent several days in Columbus, Ohio, visit-ing with DON (Whizzerthe Clown) and FRANBRIDWELL after he played a date in Rochester.Buck will be back on the Great American Circusthis summer.

CONGRATULATIONS/ianiei N. Cole

42nd

Annual

Tour

63rd Year

in

Show

Business

ONE MORE A W A R D

(Watch your coat and not our wives)

FROM THE ENTIRE SHOW TO

THE ONE AND ONLY JAMES M.

Dorian Blake

Janice Blake

Jimmy EstepBob Lange

Jane Lange

Vickie Lange

Robbie Lange

Susie Lange

David Lange

Billy MartinJeff Sedore

Gary Sheffield

Larry Sheffield

Sheila Sheffield

- TO M A N Y M O R E SUCCESSFUL TOURS! -

Page 12 March 31, 1980

NEW BOOKOctopus Books, Ltd., will publish the book 'TheLove of the Circus' by David Jamieson and San-dy Davidson in June 1980. The full-color intro-ductory book on the circus will be in the sameformat as the other titles in the well-known'Love of...' series published by Octopus. Thetitles range from 'The Love of Britain' and TheLove of Big Cats' to The Love of Gymnastics'.The large format book will have a hard cover,with 96 pages and over 90 color photographsand posters.It's contents will include: The Circus on Parade,The Horses, The Clowns, The Big Care, The Ac-robats, Jugglers and Balancers, The Elephants,In The Air, A Great variety of circus animals,The Circus Industry. An appendix will list theworld's circus magazines and fan organizations.The book which has a foreword by Mary Chip-perfield, will be sold through the Octopus net-work throughout the world. A special editionwill be available in America, under the title"The Colorful World of the Circus" with a fore-ward by Helen Wallenda, former high wire star

and widow of the legendary Karl Wallenda.Authors David Jamieson and Sandy Davidsonare both members of the Circus Fans Associa-tion of Great Britain. Oavid Jamieson is jointeditor of its magazine, 'King Pole' and hastravelled thousands of miles to see circuses inBritain, Europe, America, Australia and SouthAfrica. He has taken over 10,000 photographsand has written and designed over a dozen cir-cus program book. Forty of his pictures appearin The Love of the Circus/

Sandy Davidson is a regular contributor to theKing Pole whose circus going began at the age ofeight and has since taken him to Denmark, Ger-many, Switzerland, and France as well as throughout Britain, He has an extensive collection ofcircusiana and several rare posters from it arereproduced in "The Love of the Circus."The book, which should do much to heightenenthusiasm and interest in the circus, can be or-dered at book shops now, or by writing to: Oc-topus Books, 59 Grosvenor Street, London W 1,England.

I/V IHEMORt

KARL WALLENDA4 4 A M A S T E R S H O W M A N "

Died March 22, 1978

BILL and PAT KAYWILLIAM KAY PRODUCTIONS

P. O. Box 5412 Sarasota, Fla. - 33579

Page 14 March 31, 1980

WOMEN ON THE JOB

The concession department at the Cyprus Tem-ple Shrine Circus at Albany, N. Y., was headedup by: Antonette (Bisbini) Schweinshaupt, whowas assisted by Patsy Jordan, Mrs. Jack Cook,novelties, Betty Jensen, pop com, Sally Todd,Sno Cones. The concession department brokea twenty-seven year record for the date.The circus, produced by William Kay, playedto capacity crowds for all five shows during Mar8th and Mar. 9th. Ralph Schoenkew, circuschairman, said it was the best ever for CyprusTemple. Kris Krenkel, of Bill Kay's staff hand-led all advance promotion.

ROY ROGERS and DALE EVANS were guestson the Mike Oouglas TV Show which was airedthe afemoon of March 28th.

BETTY WENDANY'SFUNS-A-POPPIN

PACKAGE SHOWS TO FIT YOUR NEEDS

Box 391. Sunltnd, Caltf . • 91040

213-352-4277 213-352-2454

In Mrmoriam /MRS. ANNA OPAL GILL (63) died of a heartattack on March 5th in Topeka, Kans. She wasdriving her car when she became ill. Friends whowere following her said she pulled into a drive-way, stepped out of the car and collapsed. Shehad been in the concession business, operatingGill Concessions, since 1948.Survivors include three sons, Theodore DechmanIII, Charles Ray Dechman and Michael J. Gill, adaughter, Mrs. Pat Hyman, a sister, Pansy Smithand several grandchildren.

LESTER A. WHITSON (81) died late last yearat Kendallville, Ind. He was a retired acrobat,who traveled with most of the major circusesduring his 50 years in show business. He perfor-med with the Lucky Boys and the Six AmericanBelfords, and entertained every president fromTheodore Roosevelt to Franklin 0. Roosevelt.Survivors include his wife, Helen.

WASHINGTON TUBES II

The Circus Report Page 15

THE VILLAMS, jugglers, were featured on theMerv Griffin TV Show which was aired the af-ternoon of March 17th.

FRANK HERMAN, magician, is currently on alecture tour in Florida. He plans to return tothe west coast within a few weeks.

THE GREAT ARTURO was recently featuredin an issue of the Tampa Times-Tribune. Thearticle included three photos and described hisfeat of walking a wire hung between the mastsof a pirate ship, the "Jose Gasper."

SIEGFRIED and ROY, illusionists, were guestson the Merv Griffith TV Show which was airedon March 19th.

LLOYD LOAN, clown, will be touring with theKelly Bros. Circus this summer. He has a small1910 Tin Lizzie Model T Ford which drawsgood laughs because of its comedy.

HAL HAVILAND has returned to his base inNewington, Conn., after playing a few openingdates with the Magic Time USA Show.

CAROL CHENEY and "Baby Tarra" the rollerskating elephant, were featured on TV's "RealPeople" show which was aired on March 19th.

WORLD'S ONLY HI-DIVINGAQUA MULES, OSTRICH

RACES, CLOWN ACTS,MOVIELAND ANIMALS,

WILD WEST ACTSJONNY RIVERS

P. 0. Box 286 Mclntosh, Fla. 32664Phone: 904 - 591 • 2076 or 591 -1053

CIRCUS QUIPS. . . b y K A R L J . B I S C H O F F

MENAGERIE TALK - Horse sense is whathorses have that keeps them from betting onpeople.

A SHOWMAN considering marriage claims thatit's as hard to find a needle in a girl's hand todayas it is in a haystack.

WHAT 1980 has in the hopper for you dependson how much energy you use.

Hiram Edwin Gosset, Sr., made a fortune incircus business.

Hiram Edwin Gosset, Jr. enjoyed the fortune.Hiram Edwin Gosset, III, lost the fortune.THERE WAS NEVER a fuel shortage for heat

at most winterquarters this winter, most depart-ments were producing enough energy to keepthe sparks flying.

By Crane\ /

Page 16 March 31, 1980

ACTS - Are you listed with us ?

DWIGHT DAMONEntertainment Unlimited

Lane Manor, Box 685, Merrimack, NH 03054

603-424-3341

...from William Wotsch

In the winter of 1940, around February, we hadto once again bring out of storage the woodenchutes we had used in 1938 at our first circus inthe Cleveland Arena. This time the chutes wereto be used for Terrell Jacobs and his lions, whowere appearing with the At Sirat Grotto Circusat the arena.His lions were kept in the North east Tunnel,right off the main floor.Because there was a hockey game scheduled inthe middle of the circus date we had a consider-able amount of work to change the arena backand forth for both events. The ice was coveredwith floorboards, then dirt was hauled in andthe boards were covered over.We nailed together short 2x8's for small flatplatforms, these were used for loaded sandand were filled from a pile in our backyard. Oldstreet car rails were brought in and used ananchors for tie-ins.Some of the fellows on this gang were TuffyGenders, Charles Jonesy, and Cy Perkins. Everycircus fan knows who Tuffy is, a former mana-ger with Ringling and still connected with thatshow. Charles Jonesy today is a stagehand inCleveland and Cy Perkins today is stage mana-ger at the Masonic Temple, just a few doorsdown from where the old Cleveland Arena was.I used a cement chisel to cut some holes in the

WANTEDMAGICIAN will buy Old Magic Apparatus,Books, Memorabilia, Posters, and Anythingrelated to Magic.

STEVE THOMAS70 Blodget Street

Manchester. N. H. 03104

It seems tha t a jungle hunter cameupon an elephant tha t was limpingbadly. He followed it for some dis-tance, when he saw the great pachy-derm wobble and fall to the ground.The hunter rushed up and lookedover the great beast. In one of hisfeet was a big thorn which the huntercarefully removed before returningto camp.

Five years elapsed. To kil l t imethis hunter went to the circus andbought an inexpensive seat. When agroup of performing elephants cameinto the arena, one of them lookedabout and spied the erstwhile hunter,reached over with his trunk, liftedhim from his inexpensive seat, andplaced him gently into a private box.

4 inch cement for anchors.Our Pilsner Celler on the ground floor level, hadto be cleared of its tables and chairs. It was used'by the public and had tables with a bar at oneend, decorated like an inn. We cleared it so theelephants could be housed there.Upstairs a recreational room, complete with pooltable was set up as a dressing room for some ofthe show girls.

Col. Jerry lipko's Chimps

Have

Open Time

Aug. 23rd

to Sept. 18th

Sept. 22nd

to

Oct. 2nd

Open

Playing

The Great

Danbury

Conn. State

Fair

Oct. 4-13

6th Year

WISHES TO THANK JUNGLE L A R R Y AND SAFARI JANEAND THE ENTIRE STAFF OF AFRICAN SAFARI GARDENSAT NAPLES FLORIDA FOR THE WINTER TOUR WHICHENDED AS WE OPEN APRIL 20th thru AUG. 20th, 1980 ATKOIZUMI AFRICAN LION SAFARI , LTD. ,TOKYO, JAPAN.

• U M / I I I \ • BOIIVIA.MH Ml \ M H t K v •IA.A.

ft:;.-' World Wide Attractions. Inc.After April Ifith

M.I.I- ((Mitt

in 74HjrntNtillt.lv 18214

I n(.rtMinm<ni at tt\ Rc\t'"

Now: P. O. Box 822Gibsonton, Fla. 33534

Col. Jerry Lipko, President

Need Acts, Photos,State All in First Letter

Open Time, etc.Phone loll I rer1 .JtOQ.MM~MM

Is the exclusive booking agency representing all American acts for twoSafari Parks open all year. Lipko Chimps is the first act to appear, fol-lowed by other acts. Two months in each park.Will the person with the Wrestling Bear Act contact Col. Lipko at once.My client has lost your address.

CONTACT NOW FOR THE 1981 SEASON

Page 18 March 31, 1980

GORILLA SHOWThe story of Noell's Ark Gorilla, Chimpan-zee and Orangutan Show. A vivid descrip-tion of this unique, action-packed perfor-mance as presented by Robert Noell, writ-ten by Mrs. Mae Noell, with additions byothers who saw or participated in the per-formance.

No other show like it. 246 pages, aboutthe "World's Only Athletic Apes/' plus 80pages of interesting pictures from photos.

Hardbound Copies $16.00

Sottbound Copies $13.50

RALPH HAOLEY

Lowry City, Mo. - 64763

SPORT SHOW ACTS

Acts appearing at the Sport Show in Harrisburg,Pa., last month were:The Plunketts, trampoline; Rod and Sven John-son, wood chopping and canoe racing; Monteand Dick the Wonder Dog; Fred Scheer and FredSaryklly, log rollers; Scott's Unrideable Mule;Dean Sherman, announcer and Jessie Griffiths,organist

Appearing at the Sport Show at Boston, Mass.,last month were:

The Plunketts, trampoline; Hank Peters and JimFreeman, canoe lilting; The Rolling Diamonds,roller skaters; Fred Scheer and Fred Saryklly, log

: INGHIGH-WIRE SET

Complete, including wooden packing casesMade in Germany, Pre-WW II.

- $100 or best offer -

212 -765 -2900, Ex. 396 (Days)201 -741 -1775 (Evening)

The program for the Sahara Temple Shrine Cir-cus at Pine Bluff, Ark. (March 14-15) producedby Sam T. Polack lists the following acts andpersonnel.Sam T. Polack, producer; Al Oawley, ringmas-ter; Bill Pryne, musical director; Ron Kelroy,prop boss; John Mac Kay and Phil Granger, cir-cus clown come-in.Harry Thomas, tigers; Rolls, cradle; Light Pitch;Clowns; Ethel Jennier, Greyhounds; Kent's bal-ancing; The Carlos Duo, perch; Lou Ann Jacobson single trapeze; Clowns; Olmedas, bicycles;Elephants, Intermission; Poppinini &Co., wire;Erna's Chimps; Torino; Clowns; Sword Balance;Magana and Claytons, whips; Clowns; Horseact; Bertini aerial perch and the Lantony's fly-ing act.

rolling; Hank Peters, comedy fishing; Scott's Un-rideable Mule; Dean Sherman, announcer andJessie Griffiths, organist.Both shows were produced by Sherman Exhibi-tions and talent was provided by William Shill-ing.

TOfflfflffl^^Q TOP HAT and TAILS(© CUSTOM MADE

AL DAWLEYPO BOX B98TYBEE ISLAND, G A . J I 3 2 8

H A T S $65.00TAILS $ns.oo

SEND FORCOMPLETE INFORMATION

NEED AT ONCECLOWNS DIESEL MECHANIC HELPER

ELECTRICIAN DRIVERS

CAN USE GOOD COOK (Must be Sober)

Also can use Big Top Help and Useful People in all Depts.

- CAN ALSO USE PHONE PROMOTERS -

Call Toll Free: 1 - 800 • 824 • 7888 • Ext 2153

Leave Name and Phone Number where you can be reached

Box 561085Kendall StationMiami, Fla. -33156

Winterquarters Phone:305-592-3909

Page 20 March 31, 1980

RON HILL, of the Royal Crown Circus, reportsworkingmen are building equipment and makingrepairs caused by the winter rains and floodingfor the show's scheduled opening date.

MAUREEN WILES, of San Bernardino, Calif.,and owner of a 2 year old Jaguar, has run upagainst authorities who want her and the ani-mal out of the area.

THE SUPER LOCOS, comedy acrobats, THEFLYING VALENCIAS and SATANI DEMON,fire and sword act, were praised by the Lansing(Mich) Journal on March 7th.

DAVID LEE, 10 year old juggler with the IceCapades, is the younger brother of the well-known juggler ALBERT LUCAS.

STEPHEN COYLEand FLIP WELLFORD, offthe Royal Ltchtenstein Circus, were pictured inthe Mail-Tribune of Medford, Oregon, duringthe show's date there.

Wish 10 MoveDuplicates

1934 thru 1939 White Tops1955 White Tops1957 Band WagonRBBB Route Books -1940-43-45-46

47-48-49-50-51-52-54Kelly-Miller 1947 thru 1950Current Carson Barnes Lithos

Send Self-Addressed Envelope forPrice List

HERB HOYTRte. 8, Box 108, Joplin, Mo. 64801

Cockatoo SpecialsBEAUTIFUL EXOTIC BIRDS

for Training and Show

Lesser Sulphur Crested ... $ 450 eaMed. Greater Sulphur Crested . .

585 eaWhite Umbrella Crested . . . 550 eaCitron (Orange) Crested . . . 550 eaLarge Moluccan Salmon Crested

650 eaLarge Blue-Eyed Greater Sulphur

Crested 1,250 ea

BRONSON BIRDS70 Naglc Street

New York, NY - 10040

Phone: 212 - 942 - 1150

THE RETIRED RINGMASTER'S DREAMby Walter Irish

He liked the idea of the twenty girlsroaring through the air like birdsset afire, clothed in every clothever invented, every color of silkever thought. He wanted them thin

And strong as rice stalks, shootingfrom transom to trapeze, rope to netas gracefully as angels w i t h sinon their minds. He believedit would be quite a sensation:

He could bill them as East EuropeanPrincesses fallen on hard limes, gypsyand royally crossbreeds, wild Indianvirgins with tastes for silks and pearlsand all the tragedies of Shakespeare.

It would make him young again,and rich, and loxed too. He would buya new hat glossy as a Cadillac, a new coat.He could already see the vapor lights.iimcd upwards, smell the heat of the crowd,hear the lent ropes sigh with tension.

Page 22 March 31, 1980

Joseph C. ReisingerATTORNEY AT LAW

Entertainment Law - Civil Trials - Immigration

For Free Consultation or AppointmentCall: 415 -472 -1050

The program for the annual Moslem TempleShrine Circus at Detroit, Mich (Mar. 14-30) pro-duced by Hanneford Circus, Inc., was presentedat the State Fairgrounds Coliseum. It was thetemple's 100th annual circus.Featured were: The Great Huberto, slide for life;Caut. Clint Olson, Rocket car; Patriotic (pec"this Is My Country"; Tajana, tigers; the CastroBrothers, high wire; Display with The Francis-cos, trampoline, Eugene & Aurelia, wire, Her-nandez Troupe, teeterboard, Los Latinos, wireand the Anthonys, trampoline; Gaylord May-nard and horse "Chief Bear Paws"; the ShrineClowns; Display with Lucianna Loyal & Co.,The Hanneford Family and Jimmy Loyal/Re-pensky & Co., riding acts; Super Locos, tumb-ling; Aerial Ballet with 8 webs and Belinda May-nard on single trapeze; Display with Mr. Sladick,chair stacking, Timothy, rota bola juggling; Ran-dy & Sylvia, perch and Little John, chair stack-ing; Satani Demon, fire and swords; BirthdayParty spec "Alice in Circus Land" featuring Nel-lie Hanneford; Intermission.The Flying Gaonas and the Flying Valencias;Mark Anthony, midget car; Display with NellFrank, horseback roping, Bradd Frank, highschool horse, Tex Maynard, Jr., dressage horse,

Hoy it

33(33

Mark Karoly, dressage horse and Nellie Hanne-ford, dressage horse; The Cristiani, Hannefordand Walt King elephants; Mark Karoly, somer-saults over elephants; The Four Nerveless Nocks,on sway poles; Hugo Zacchini, Human Cannon-ball; Finale.The show's staff consists of: Tommy Hanneford,executive director; Glenn Parkins, executive dir-ector; John McConnell, assistant to the producer;Keith Killinger, musical director; Ernie McLean,first half announcer; Phil Morris, second half an-nouncer; Phil Morris, spec designer and director;Ernie McLean, vocalist; Mark Anthony, produc-ing down; Gertrude Hanneford, aerial director;Sandra Smith, assistant to spec designer; DwightHansen, prop boss; Lynn Hatchett, assistant toDwight Hansen; Dan Goodwin, assistant to D.Hanson; David Jones, lighting; Glenn Parkins,color scheme and layout; Cheryl Jones, ward-robe; Harold Katzsu, supt. of animals; Ed Ken-yon, transportation supt.; Dr. Charles Mays,company physician; Senor Rai, aerial ballet cos-tumes; Ray Orzsak, wardrobe; Steven Grant, 24hour man; Charles Anderson, mechanical dept.

The Circus Report Page 23

BILLY BARTON (Continued)

heard our conversation, remarked, "Yes, and it'sall the GOOD acts that are quitting! The charm-ing BRUSKI bike act is also thinking of turningin their rhinestones by August. On top of this atroupe which shall remain nameless told me theyhad to take jobs during the winter or lay-offmonths so they could keep body and soul toget-her if they wanted to remain active on the circusscene. Also, performers coming together on adate in February compared their layoff time andit turned out that every act had been put ofwork from two to five months. Incredible! Ob-viously our business is in serious trouble.

IN DEPTHS: Rumorhazzit BILL BRICKLE isto tour with Hoxie Bros.. .MARY WISE is get-ting married in June.. .When Int'l All Star pre-viewed in Sarafla in Jan. out came GEE GEEand mother, DORIS SCHAUPPACHER, LUCIOCRISTIANI, FLORINEandWESOLER, BOBMITCHELL. PHIL MIRANDA, KENNY DODO,HARRY HAMMOND, DON PHILLIPS, FLOYDBRADBURY, BILL GARDEN and MARI JOCOULS, to name a few.

The CAMPA FAMILY spot-dating until HoxieBows. The troupe took a recent delivery on anew Holiday Rambler.. .MINES RUCKER reco-vering from a case of "swine flu" but my infor-mant hints that was not the true ailment.. onlya "sound-a-liki;" (I'll leave you to figure out thatone).. .Int'l All Star Consists of Hines, Joe andBetty Eddie, Bobby Fairchild, Bonnie & Clyde,the O'Briens, Mike and Sally LaTorres, Pan! Rue-ker and Phil Sadler. Unit carries a four piece bandwith Leigh Ketchum, Michel Dorval, Chris Bry-ant and Gary Currie. JOE and BETTY purchas-ed a new home in Sarafla.. .LEE MALONEY,whose Airstream was broken into and burgledtotally while he was off playing sport shows,took over the baton for KEITH KILLINGER atthe Medinah Temple when Keith opened thedate and then flew in to Detroit.. .ProducerGEORGE HUBLER has been attending seminarson the Power of Positive Thinking.. .CONNIECLAUSEN plans to visit CORKY CRISTIANIthis summer when the agent treks to Chicagofora Writer's Conference.. JUNE DEWSBURY,wheel chair included, rolled off with friends tovisit the Broadway Smash "Sugar Babies" Shewas escorted by RICHARD GRAYSON andRUDY TROMTO.. -BILL and TRUDY planthat segment for "Real People" some time inMay and expect most of the Hamid-Morton Cir-cus to be in the back ground when that showcomes through for a brief stopover.. .MARCEL-

LI and JAMS followed MISTER SENSATIONinto Bellinger's Night Club and were in turn fol-lowed by the PIRATES (Roger Lamother andDavid Chabira).CLOSEUPS: SONJA ZOPPE, recently married

becomes a mother in June. She and her husbandare out of show business.. .WALT and BAR-BARA KING sold their Wild Animal Farm forthe last time (they hope).. .ROY WELLS andhis wife are now presenting the Blonde Bomb-shell's Cossack elephants and white pony drill.GEE GEE flew into Toronto to be on tap forthe opening. She will return to Gatini thisspring and will have a pit show on the midway-an elephant skin dog.. .Currently Gee Gee isscouting property in Gibsonton and has lockedon to a place about three miles from BILLYRODGERS.. .SEMON'S CHIMPS played theTampa Fair for EDDIE ZACCHINI, ditto theFLYING LANES and FAY ALEXANDER ...BONNIE ARMOR told me that gorgeous daugh-ter SA SA did a command performance for thePope (now I hope I got that one right! Bonniehad so much to tell me I couldn't assimilate itall). She and REGGIE are touring with GardenBros, with Reggie in a managerial capacity whichpost Reggie took to relieve the monotony ofstaying in Florida and which gives him somethingto do and a chance to hobnob with old friends.Reggie is in great spirits and I know he's fully re-covered from his almost fatal accident when hecame on to me as argumentative as ever! It wasa real joy seeing them both. Incidentally has any-one noticed how much RON ELY (former movieTar/an and host of the now syndicated TV show"Face the Music") so closely resembles Reggie -especially around the eyes?.. .Understand GEEGEE's pal DORIS SCHAUPPACHER has a newbeau.. Someone came over the fence one nightand stole all of BILLY RODGER'S expensivebirds! Fortunately the police recovered the fea-thered treasure the very next day.. .MIKE andJOHN WINN are sporting wild new wardrobefor their motorcycle aerial number.. .MICKEYGARDEN was hospitalized Feb. 25 but at thiswriting I have no further report on her conditionShe vocalized the Garden Toronto date so sickshe could hardly stand but gave no outward signof the pain she suffered.. .RICKEY GARDENis now bartending in a local Disco, of which myspies tell me he is half-owner.. .Another spyhints that the Garden combine just purchased ashopping center.. .Certainly that show has cutway back on its schedule of dates leading me tosuspect other, more important interests are im-

(Continued on Page 24)

Page 24 March 31, 1980

MAOK LIMITED LlOTD E KM S - 40H )9IH AV[ . QAKIAND. (A 946»

. . .by LLOYD E.JONES

Frequently one is asked, "What is this magicstuff all about?" The answer can be found in thecurrent book from McKay, "Bill Severn's Guideto Magic As A Hobby". It informs one on whatour magic of today really is, how it all got start-ed, and then gives a who's who and what's whatin the field.Where do you find the dealers, the magazines,the clubs and even some of the outstandingshowplaces and museums, it is all here. Briefly,this is a treasure of information. The collectingfield and various other branches of the art areexplained and even some magical terminologywhich may confuse some who may wonder whata pass or an injog can possibly be.The book is a hefty 280 pages, about 7 x 1 0 andfully illustrated with photos, posters, programsand the like, of general interest. With a firm co-ver it sells for $9.95, the hardbound cover sellsfor $14.95. Postage is only 81c and insurance, ifdesired runs 50c.You'll find this entertaining, surprising and in-structive with many well known magicians re-ceiving attention. Unfortunately one glaring o-mission is coverage of Siegfried and Roy, whoserecent TV spectacular caused quite a stir amongmagicians and the general public.

in theThe appointment of new executives to the man-agement team of Circus Vargas were recently announced by Clifford E. Vargas, president andproducer of Circus Vargas.Mr. Gary Geweniger. a field marketing directorfor Circus Vargas during the last ten years, anda native of Detroit, has been elevated to Vice-

BILLY BARTON (Continued)minent • one more "sign of the times"?World galivanting FRANK CURRY touched

down during the Toronto date after months inEurope and then flew into home based NewYork City for a week. He was his charming, ex-huberant self - as usual.JUNE DEWSBURY was escorted to the FELIX

ADLER Circus Fans get-together by FRANKROBIE. She reports a great time and especiallyenjoyed speaking to an elderly but gorgeous la-dy who was Houdini's original assistant. Juneremarks, that the lady, whose name she didn'tget, was fascinating to talk to. When June askedthe woman about today's magicians, she replied."You must remember that Houdini was primar-ily an 'escape artist' NOT a magician." Also atthe gathering was LOTTIE BRUNN and two for-mer members of the Moscow Circus who defect-ed and now run a gym in New Jersey.

THOSE E M B A R R A S I N G MOMENTS: Duringthe 'passing leap' opening day in Toronto PAT-TY BONNELL of the Flying Lanes lost the topof her costume on the return swing and by thetime she mounted the board it was down aroundher hips. She, like the good sport she is, admitt-ed to being embarassed but only because (shewailed) "I have nothing to show!" ... The sameday DAVIDE ZOPPE was also "disrobed" but hewas lucky - the Rhesus monkey only got his pantley!

SEE YOU down the road, luvs.

President and Director of Advertising.Mr. Jerry Digney, former publicity and public re-lations man for Ringling-Barnum, Beatty-Cole,various ice shows and a former publicist withSolters & Roskin, of New York, has joined theCircus Vargas staff as Vice-President and Direc-tor of Public Relations.Mr. Douglas Lyons has returned to Circus Var-gas after an absence of three years. He is current-ly in charge of Doug Henning Productions, andwill serve the circus as Vice-President of SpecialProjects on a consulting basis.

FOR SALEALUMINUM TENT POLES - All Sizes

See: G & G MetalsVenice, Florida

Phone:813-488-3048

Ray Hartzell-SHOW ORGANIST-

128 Ramsey St. Las Vegas, Nev. 89107

Phone: 702-648-0778

Hie Unbelievable Revealed Before Your Very Eyes By

AND CON\Pf\NY

For Ins indditts please contact

KEVIN M E N A R D

267 Norwoou AvenueWarwick, R. I. 02888

Page 26 March 31, 1980

JUNGLE uwnrs

AFRICAN SAFARI PARKS. CARIBBEAN GARDENS

f O BOK 7129 • NapUv Flonrtj 33941813 76? MOT

CEDAR POINT!6iaW'ik>*D'ivt * SanduUv Oh,o 44870

419 6766706

CURRENT SURPLUS STOCK - Cuning Down on Traveling Stock

1 Baird's Tapir- Male (Permit Required)$ 2,000.00 each

Pair Nilgai Antelopes (Adult)$ 1,500.00 pair

4 Red Necked African Ostriches (Breed-ers) Two Pairs $ 600.00 each

1 Single Ostrich with one eye$ 500.00 each

Vervet Monkeys S 150.00 each5 Agoutis (Giant Rats) $ 75.00 each1 Asian Palm Civet (Male) • Odorless..

$ 150.00 each

1 Bengal Tiger - Male Super Cat$ 1.500.00 each

+ 2 Female Gentle African Elephants •(6% ft. tall, Lead Broken and semi-trained • 7 years)... $ 15.000.00 each

or 25,000.00 for 21 Giant Double Wattled Cassowary -

"world's largest turkey" 80 Ib. Male -Build a show around him-800.00 each

FOB Naples. Fla. - Bring your own crate

+ • Permit Required

JUNGLE LARRY'S AFRICAN SAFARI PARK1590 Goodlette Road. Naples, Fla. - 33941

Phone: 813 - 262 - 5409 - 9:30 to 5:00

MEDINAH TEMPLE SHRINE CIRCUS, Chicago- March 3-23 - Produced by Hanneford Circus,Inc.

Introduction of Albert R. Gibbon, Potentate andNational Anthem; Circus on Parade Spec; JorgeBarreda, lions; Sale of flashhtes; Frank & Estre- •leta, aerial perch; Herman & Petunia, comedy ri-ding act; Clowns with Hot Dog (Joe Sherman,Mike Wright, Judy Leonard); Christopher James,tightwire; The Tangier Troupe, Arab tumbling;Barbara and Loni, foot juggling; Pamela Rosaireand iier chimps; The Plunketts, trampoline; Vid-bel's elephant (3); "Cinderella" production spec;Intermission; The Flying Lanes (4); Miss Tina,upside down walk; Syd Moore's Mess of Mutts;the Roger Zoppe Arabian Riders; Finale "THatOnce A Year Thrill Time".The staff included: Tommy Hanneford, execu-tive producer; Glenn Parkins, executive produ-cer; Al Leonard, vocalist; Senor Rai, ringmaster;Keith Killinger, musical director; Ray Or/ak,costume designer; Luis Munoz, prop boss; Da-vid Jones, lighting; Philip Morris, spec designerand director; Joe Sherman, producing clown.

New officers who will serve the Showfolks ofSarasota for 1980 are:

Alva Johnson, president; George Porter, vicepresident; Pete Paulson, second vice president;Jackie Carson, secretary; Elena Bulgaru, assis-tant secretary; Genevieve Porter, treasurer; Ne-dra Gonzales, assistant treasurer; Ludwig Mas-chino, house manager and Charley Borza, barmanager.

The club's Board of Directors consists of: Ter-ry Abbot, Elena Bulgaru, Eva Johansson, DollyCopeland. Willie Edelston, Nedra Gonzales, RayKluge, Pete Ivanovand Helen Wallenda.

A possible transit strike in New York City hasbeen set for next month. It could reportedlycut attendance of the Ringling-Barnum Circusat Madison Square Garden.

The Circus Report Page 27

MAKING A WOMAN DISAPPEAR

On Pages 12 and 13 of the TV Guide (March 15)popular illusionist David Copperfield explainsand shows readers how he makes a girl disappear.The box is opened and his assistant, KathleenKing, is shown reclining inside, the box is closedup, there are some magic passes and words andwhen the box is reopened, presto the girl is nolonger there.

The sequence is shown in four color photos, butthe final photo, looking at the rear of the boxshows exactly what has happened, thus givingthe secret away.

It's an impressive illusion and one that has beenused by many magicians and fellow performersmay be quite upset about the revatation.

MECHANICS^ PAVILION,...TO-DAY...

AND LVERY DAY THIS WEEK.ptrfomianr^i tt 2:» tM I p. m. dally.

NORRIS & ROYVB*8BIG T R A I N E D ANIMAL SHOWS.

UAKT rKTU-nnMANCE N K X T f l fNOATsoo- rv:nronMiNo KNIMALS- aoo

Th« Greatest AcfreRMIon of Kducat«4 A n f m a l iIn th« World.

Klvphant*. 7.«bra». Qoati. »»« Uonn Ponle*Monkey*. l > < RI. Ant Kut'rt <nM 7.rbur

Flr^t t lni^ In t h i n city of Mr. W|n»tnn ftn4 hi*wrttid^rful school of KDUOATED SEALS th*m.-m m n r v ^ l o i i H animal act In the world.

I IKRJI SKTTLKn. th* fnmoti t Oerman animalCrmbwr. cn-1 his f>mall Clnwn K l r p h n n l .

Sr«t null* op*n* at Pavflton T-> « iny at 10 a rPRICES-Al»n,TS. JRr: CHILDREN. Ifto. '

Phon* South TSO.

The advertisement shown above appeared in theSan Francisco (Calif) newspapers on March 14,1901.

WANTEDExperienced people who have worked with ice shows in thefollowing positions:

Choreographers Sound SystemsSpecial Effects Lighting Effects

Also want youg people who have experience in ice show skat-ing, who are interested in joining America's newest and finestice show.

Send Resumes and Photos

C A L I F O R N I A E N T E R T A I N M E N T E N T E R P R I S E S

Char les Germaine

135 Azalea Drive Phone:Grants Pass, Oregon 97526 503 . 474 . 1957