OLD CIRCUS POSTER DISCOVERED---

An advertisement for the Forepaugh Circus was uncovered during a recent remodeling project at the Star Prairie Barbershop.

Published June 12 2010

Remodeling project reveals vintage circus ad

By: Anna Holmquist, New Richmond News
An advertisement for the Forepaugh Circus was uncovered during a recent remodeling project at the Star Prairie Barbershop.

Though Val Dierks knew the renovation of his Star Prairie barbershop would be hectic, he didn’t expect it to be such a circus.

When the siding on the south side of the building was torn off, an old circus poster was uncovered. It was in full color.“The thing that struck me was how brilliant the colors were after all those years,” said Dierks.

The poster advertised the Forepaugh Circus, which operated from 1865 to 1890 under many names, including the Great Forepaugh Show and Forepaugh & the Wild West. In fact, Adam Forepaugh, the owner, has been credited with being the first circus to incorporate a “wild west show.”

Forepaugh’s show was famously corrupt, according to circusinamerica.org. He employed pickpockets and ran con games to make good money. His practices gave birth to the idea that circuses were corrupt.

Dierks remembers that his parents would always warn him to watch out for pickpockets at the circus.The poster clearly says “The Great Forepaugh Show” and shows horse-drawn carts and a covered wagon.

Since it is so old, the poster was not able to be removed. Instead, Dierks said, it is covered with one inch of styrofoam and siding. Those who want to see the poster would have to buy the building, but “it’s not for sale!” said Dierks with a laugh.

According to the summer 2010 issue of The Oxcart Chronicles, the barbershop building has a long history. Originally, the structure was located on the other side of the street in Star Prairie. In 1908, the owners dragged it across the road and the back became the front. Many barbers have owned and operated it since its construction, which was probably the late 19th century. For additional history on the barbershop, see the current issue of The Oxcart Chronicles or http://www.oxcartchronicles.com/.