Circus left lasting impression on Richmond IN residents
An example of an old circus train donated by William Grotendick is on display at the Wayne County Historical Museum. / Palladium-Item photo by Steve KogerNov. 9, 2011
Written by Palladium-Item
Editor's note: This recollection was written by Richmond resident William Grotendick, who recently donated a miniature circus train to the Wayne County Historical Museum.
This circus train is a replica of what the circus used in Richmond in the late 1940s and '50s.The train would come in down at the Penn Station and unload. It would be unhooked from the engine and a special ramp put up at the end. Bridges would span between the cars and each piece pulled or driven off.
A parade was formed up and with a band wagon, elephants, and trucks. There was the ticket wagon, power generator wagon, canvas wagon, water wagon and wooden bleacher wagon. They would go up Main Street to 23rd (Street) and turn south and go to the Athletic Park by Test school's field.The three main tent poles were set and the canvas spread on the ground around the poles. Block and tackle would be hooked up and the elephants would be used to pull up the canvas around the poles. Side tent poles would be then put all around. A stake driver machine would pound in the many stakes and side ropes secured. Wooden bleachers would be unfolded and set up. Folding wooden chairs were used as the more expensive seats. Wooden segments would be put down to form three rings around each main pole. Saw dust was then spread all over the bare ground. Overhead would be the trapeze and a large steel cage would be set up for the lion tamer to enter with a number of large cats.Along with the main tent, an animal menagerie was hooked to the main tent. As you came in, you could go straight to your seats, or pay a little more to see the animals. Cage wagons held the wild animals and the others were staked out.Outside the main tent was the side show where you could see unusual acts or freaks of nature. A barker would try and talk you into paying and come in and see the freaks. These might be the tallest man, fattest woman, bearded lady, wild man, fire eater, rubber man and dancing girls.To the side was the cook tent.
This circus train is a replica of what the circus used in Richmond in the late 1940s and '50s.The train would come in down at the Penn Station and unload. It would be unhooked from the engine and a special ramp put up at the end. Bridges would span between the cars and each piece pulled or driven off.
A parade was formed up and with a band wagon, elephants, and trucks. There was the ticket wagon, power generator wagon, canvas wagon, water wagon and wooden bleacher wagon. They would go up Main Street to 23rd (Street) and turn south and go to the Athletic Park by Test school's field.The three main tent poles were set and the canvas spread on the ground around the poles. Block and tackle would be hooked up and the elephants would be used to pull up the canvas around the poles. Side tent poles would be then put all around. A stake driver machine would pound in the many stakes and side ropes secured. Wooden bleachers would be unfolded and set up. Folding wooden chairs were used as the more expensive seats. Wooden segments would be put down to form three rings around each main pole. Saw dust was then spread all over the bare ground. Overhead would be the trapeze and a large steel cage would be set up for the lion tamer to enter with a number of large cats.Along with the main tent, an animal menagerie was hooked to the main tent. As you came in, you could go straight to your seats, or pay a little more to see the animals. Cage wagons held the wild animals and the others were staked out.Outside the main tent was the side show where you could see unusual acts or freaks of nature. A barker would try and talk you into paying and come in and see the freaks. These might be the tallest man, fattest woman, bearded lady, wild man, fire eater, rubber man and dancing girls.To the side was the cook tent.
Many performers had their own trailer that was pulled behind their own car.read more:http://www.pal-item.com/article/20111110/ENTERTAINMENT/111100319
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