FORD BROS CIRCUS

FORD BROS ALASKA TOUR '82 (Bob Cox)

Show Owner Gopher Davenport
Headed for Alaska with the Show loaded.
Bob Cox on board!

FORD BROS ALASKA TOUR '82

Unloading Elephant Truck from ship
Harry and Lea Locker with Elephant Ride

FORD BROS ALASKA TOUR '82

Lea & Harry Locker

DICK'S TRAVELOG

Recession?????

BALLOONMANS CHRISTMAS

WELL TODAY IS WHAT'S KNOWN AS BLACK FRIDAY!

Back in the 1970's Bill and I had a pretty sweet proposition.

We had the Santa Pictures, Stockings and a Novelty Joint

in the First Salisbury, MD Mall.

Of course I had the pleasure of "representing" Santa.

Bill took care of the Novelties and Wayne and Trisha Chambers

ran the Name on A Stocking Joint for us.

The first year Santa wore a cheap Mall Bought Santa Costume.

But the next year We purchased a custom made Santa Suit from

a Lady in Florida, NY. She also made the Suits for Macy's and other large Department Stores. It was a beautiful suit but was it HOT!

Every Saturday Morning we'd go in early and start blowing rubber.

It was a very "nice" change of pace from working outside all summer!

We kept the proposition for about 5 years but then the Mall changed management

and they decided We didn't fit the image that the new mall manager wanted.

What really happened Bill and I had a insider at the Mall that worked for one of the large Anchor Stores as a advertising manager. When the new girl took over for the Mall he lost his position with the mall. He tried to strong arm us that last year but

he got fooled and the Dykes Bros lost their Proposition!

So the next year We had a similar deal in Meadeville Pa.

TOO MUCH SNOW!

Then We started working with McCrory's 5 & 10 Stores first with Jewelry

then later The Mylar Balloons in Florida and Mississippi.

We got lucky in Hattiesburg the year the Chinese Yo-Yo hit big.

In our early years we lucked out with these type dates but now

times have changed. The Malls are all owned by Large Conglomerate Corporations and the little guy doesn't stand much of a chance.

The last thing I would like to say is where the hell did the term "Black Friday" come from?

It should be know as "GREEN FRIDAY"!

I hope you enjoy

these pictures that follow.

I know it brings back a lot of good memories for Me!

BALLOON MAN'S CHRISTMAS SEASON

Here's "Santa" taking a break and visiting the Stocking Stand

with Wayne and Trisha Chambers.

I might add that in the five or so years we were in the mall Wayne

only ever messed up one Name on the Stocking!

How's this for FLASH!

1975

BALLONMAN'S CHRISTMAS SEASON

We even had a wide assortment of animals show up every year to have their picture with Santa!

This shot was the first year (1973)

HOLIDAY CIRCUS & TRAIN DISPLAY
InfoAge Science/History Center Presents it’s third annual Holiday Train and Miniature Circus Display Bring the whole family, enjoy all the operating model trains, miniature circuses and holiday displays. December 5th thru December 21st 2008Fridays 7 to 10 PM Saturday and Sunday 1 PM to 5 PMDonation $5. Children under 12 free with an adult. Plenty of FREE parking Everything takes place in the historic Marconi Hotel at the InfoAge Science/History Center 2201 Marconi Road, Wall, New Jersey (Exit 7a off Route 18)

CLYDE BEATTY COLE BROS--1989 (LARRY SNYDER)

CYLDE BEATTY 1989 #2 (FROM LARRY SNYDER)

BIG TOP SPOOL UNIT

From Dick with Many Thanks!

LOST CITY FUNHOUSE

WHATA FUNHOUSE!

This is in the UK.

How'd you like to set this up?

DENNY GILLIE SHOWART

Here's Denny at work.

He does a great job on merry-go-round horses, truck and ride artwork and

just about anything else!

Thanks for the e-mail yeaterday and I'll look forward to some photos from you!
Click on the post title to go to his website.

RINGLING GOLD--2008 FROM LARRY SNYDER

I've been bugging Larry to send me pictures.

Well he finally figured out how to!

Larry I got all 3 of them!

One's on the computer at work, I'll post that later today.

Thanks
SEND MORE!

CARSON & BARNES AT TREXLERTOWN, PA--2002

From Larry Snyder

I might be wrong as to the year. But thats how they were filed under.

OSCAR'S AMUSEMENTS - 1976 - FAIR HILL, MD

Oscar's Amusments in 1976 at the Cecil County Fair in Maryland.

Back then the show was owned by a very good friend of ours Oscar McDougal.

I'm sure I've spelt Oscar's last name incorrectly!

He was out of Norristown, PA. It was truly a family run show.

The show was purchased after Oscar passed away from his Family by the

Imes Family, who still operate the show, from Birdsboro, PA.

OSCAR'S AMUSEMENTS - 1976 - FAIR HILL, MD

In 1977 We needed a fill in date so we booked in with Lawrence Carr Shows

with our Glass House.
We were on our way home it being late in the season.

Lawrence Carr Shows had been a large railroad show.

Using system flats to haul it.

It's home territory was New England.

By this time Mr Carr had passed away and the show was being run by

Larry Carr, Jr.

In later years Larry married Melinda Drew, daughter of James E. Drew,

who owned a large carnival, James H. Drew Exposition, out of Augusta, GA.

HOXIE BROS - 1976 - POTTSTOWN. PA

Sorry for the picture quality but these are Polaroid shots.

These were taken by Brother Bill.

Boy! This trailer looks like it's been through the mill.

(Which it probably had been-LOL)

A MESSAGE FROM DICK, THE BLOGMASTER

I CAN'T BELEIVE IT!

TODAY THE BALLOON MAN TURNED OVER 11,000 HITS!

NOT BAD FOR JUST STARTING THIS THING BACK IN JULY.

I HAVE TO THANK EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFUL

VIEWING EVERY DAY.

AND I HOPE THAT I AM EDUCATING SOME FOLKS TO THE WORLD OF OUT DOOR

ENTERTAINMENT.

YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH PLEASURE THIS GIVES ME!

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE COMMENTS FROM OUT THERE, GOOD OR BAD.

I PROMISE YOU I AM GOING TO TRY EVEN HARDER IN THE COMMING MONTHS

TO KEEP POSTING EVERY DAY.

AND I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND YOU THAT IF YOU HAVE ANY PICTURES OR

NEWS PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT www.dickdykes@verizon.net

I PROMISE YOU THAT YOU WILL GET CREDIT FOR THIS.

WELL, THANKS AGAIN!

DICK

BILLY ROGERS

I received a call this afternoon from a friend in Gibsonton who was a special friend of Billy Rogers

She told Me that Billy passed away about 11:00 am this morning.

For those of you who didn't know Billy I copied this from his business website.

PIRATES TREASURE COVE

This business was started by Bill Rodgers in early 60's while traveling on the road with the circus doing an aerial act. While making wardrobe for others he started selling items needed for costumes.After a serious Auto Accident in 1969 unable to work his act he visited Circuses that came near by selling his wares and also traveled to the trailer park in Sarasota where the performers wintered. He then built a Tropical Bird Show with Macaws,Cockatoos, Doves, Pigeons along with a dog and cat working in the Pirate Theme. He played many fairs, shopping malls and shows with this. Producing a Bird show for Sea World of Ohio in early 70's he started a mail order business with a small catalog. 1974-1976 working at the Sterling Forest Gardens near New York City added many new customers.Building a store in Gibsonton,Fl.(Showtown) made it convience to Tampa,Orlando and Sarasota.With all his friends from business he was able to add Bush Gardens, Cypress Gardens,Dixie Stampede, Holiday on Ice in Europe along with the Circuses in the States as customers.

http://piratestreasurecove.com/

BILLY ROGERS

Just received word from Gibsonton that Billy Rogers passed away today.

Billy and My brother and I were on the first circus committee at the IISA in Gibsonton.

He owned and operated the Pirates Treasure Cove in Gibsonton for many years.

Also he was a retired performer and raised tropical birds.

Billy was a nice guy and I'm sure he will be missed.

So say a prayer for him and his family.

GOD BLESS BILLY

GARCIA BROS CIRCUS

Click on the title post to go to their web site!

WTVT--TAMPA

Donate food; get a free circus ticket
Last Edited: Friday, 21 Nov 2008, 8:48 AM EST
Created: Friday, 21 Nov 2008, 8:47 AM EST


TAMPA – If you make a food donation, you can get a free ticket to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The St. Pete Times Forum and Ringling Brothers are teaming up to collect donations for Metropolitan Ministries from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Forum Friday.
Every person who donates ten nonperishable food items will receive one show ticket, with a limit of four tickets per family. Tickets are for any performance at the Forum from January 7-11.
Metropolitan Ministries is expected to deliver more than 1,000 meals from now until the day before Thanksgiving.

SUNDAY MORNING MIRTH!

WALLACE BROS. CIRCUS 1943 #1

Bill purchased these pictures from Paul Horsman, Auburn N.Y.

Notice the Novelty Stand on the left side!

WALLACE BROS. CIRCUS, 1943 #2

CIRCUS VARGAS--2006