THE BALLOON MAN

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

RINGLING RED TRAIN ARRIVES IN ORLANDO FOR WINTER BREAK

DID YOU KNOW???????????????

Circus Hippo runs amok in the Detroit River
The Detroit Daily Free Press of June 13, 1863 advertised Geo. F. Bailey & Co.’s Grand Circus, Sands’ Nathan’s & Co.’s Circus with a gigantic hippo, elite equestrians, lots of acts and horses. Performances were scheduled for Mon.-Tues. 2 and 7:30pm on June 27-28. Admission cost 25cents for children under 12, everyone else cost 50 cents. The grand procession (parade) was scheduled for 11am was to include a horse-drawn hippo in his cage.

The Fearless Greggs, daredevils from at least 1905 to 1912 defied logic and gravity with their thrilling automobiles-passing-in-the-air stunt. Fed and Joe Gregg, Howard Smith, Eddie Bouten, and Charlie Hall were from Grand Rapids and Ludington. Troupe members kept getting injured or killed when the car passing over landed on the car beneath.

Henry and John Pollies owned circuses and carnivals from at least 1910-1930s. John Pollie worked as a concessionaire with games of chance in carnivals, 1930s-1960s. Their business and personal life is wonderfully documented in the Papers of John C. Pollie, 1910-1969, and undated in 17.5 cubic ft. (in 36 boxes) in the Clarke Historical Library. It is the only collection of a carnival man’s papers in existence in a public institution. It documents circus, carnival, especially the 19-teens when there was a period of much change in carnivals, the Great Depression, the history of people in MI and Grand Rapids, personal relationships with friends and a loving family and business relationships with circus and carnival people.

Henry J. Pollie (1872-1937) was the son of John C. and Maude Pollie, who emigrated from the Netherlands to Grand Rapids in 1880. As a young man, Henry lived in TX. Henry, often called Jorge, was a concessionaire and showman. Shows Henry owned or co-owned, as documented in the collection, include:Zeidman and Pollie Shows (Walter Zeidman and Henry J. Pollie) 1910-Nov. 1937J. Harry Six Shows, 1931Pollie’s Shows, 1932 (Henry and John C. Pollie)Pollie & Scully, 1934 (Henry and Mr. Scully)Pollie and Berger Exposition and Wild Animal Circus, 1935-1937? (Henry and Louis J. Berger)Pollie & Berger Shows, 1935-Jan. 1936 (This is probably the same show as above, minus the wild animals.)
from the Clarke County (Michigan) Historical Museum

THE "FLYING MELZORAS"

CLICK ON ITEM TO ENLARGE!

from the Clarke County Historical Society online collection

"NEW" CIRCUS SARASOTA POSTER (FROM SCOTT BUNDY)

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

SOMETHING DIFFERENT---

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Hank Snow had an under canvas show on tour for many years. He was know as the Canadian Ranger.

DID YOU KNOW??????????

The 2010 Gibtown Bike Fest kicks off January 12 through January 17, 2010 at the IISA Club Grounds in Gibsonton, Florida. Bike Fest features live entertainment, stunt shows, food and beverage vendors, and merchandise vendors. Come on down and let us entertain you, and don't forget to bring your bike! Parking is available for over 10,000 bikes (and cars).
2010 BIKEFEST SCHEDULE: www.gibtownbikefest.com

Fruitcake

Yes, circus is responsible for the spread of fruitcake as a holiday gift in the U.S.

The Collin Street Bakery of Corsicana, Texas, was established in 1896 by master baker, Gus Weidmann, and his partner, Tom McElwee. They also operated a fancy hotel where many famous guests stayed, including John Ringling. Mr. McElwee gave the guests fruitcakes. The circus people liked them and requested some be shipped to their friends all over the country. This led to establishment of the bakery’s mail order business. Today the bakery is world famous and ships fruitcakes to 196 countries.

SHOWMAN'S CIRCUS PART 2 (From Scott Bundy)

Could that possibly be Brian Franzen's Elephants?

"ALL OUT AND OVER!"

FLINT, MI SHRINE CIRCUS OPENS THURSDAY

The Shrine Circus

Monday, January 11, 2010

SHOWMAN'S CIRCUS, GIBSONTON, FL, SATURDAY JANUARY 9th (From Scott Bundy)

The Annual Showman's Circus, with proceeds going to local charities,

took place Saturday in a COLD Gibsonton, Fl.

Blog Reporter Scott Bundy was on hand and took these shots.

I understand turnout was light because of the weather.

Johnnie Walker's Walker Bros. Circus provided most of the physical
equipment for the show.

Close to my heart the "Garbage Joint"

Chuck Scholabaum's Circus Concert Band

Ready to start the show.

The Ring is set!

Lee Stevens, Ringmaster

The Dykes Sisters Unicycles

Dick, took some pics tonight at the IISA Circus at Gibtown, some came out ok. Was 36 degrees in the tent with no heat it was very cold! Three shows today 1,4,7.

The tent was donated by Walker Bros. Circus. Feel free to use any of them on your blog if you would like. Lee Stevens was the ring master. Scott Bundy

More pictures to come tomorrow!

BABY BARACK INTRODUCED AT FUNUNDRUM

Sunday, January 10, 2010

NEVINS AMUSEMENTS MERRY-GO-ROUND

My friend Halle Nevins, out on Long Island, sent me these

pictures of his just refurbished three abreast merry-go-round.

All I can say is BEAUTIFUL HALLE!

The Nevins Show plays spots out on Long Island all summer!

The show's winterquarters is located in Brentwood.

Bill and I spent one summer, 1979, with the show with our
Glass House and Giant Spider Show.

COLE SHOW DISCOUNT TICKET

FRONT PAGE MEDINA NY NEWSPAPER, FRIDAY

COLE SHOW IS OPEN!

MEDINA: Circus entertains with jugglers, animals and clowns
By Rikki CasonE-mail RikkiThe Journal-Register
MEDINA — With the month of January under way, it is time once again for an annual area favorite. The Billy Martin’s Cole All-Star Circus will return to entertain Medina on Friday at the Wise Middle School gym. This year, two 90-minute shows will be performed at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“It’s the 21st annual,” Martin said of performing in Medina. “The show has gone over terrific this year — very very good.”
At this year’s show, audience members will get to see several new acts, including aerialists, the Valla Duo. Martin said that Batman will make a special appearance, and children can even get their picture taken with him.
According to Martin, back by popular demand is Slinko, a cirque-style variety act from Las Vegas and Brett Marshall, a BMX rider. Martin said that other acts will include jugglers, acrobats and unicyclists.
The circus will again benefit the Jade branch of TWIG Association. TWIG President Ellen Tynan said that each year, the circus brings an average $1,400 to benefit Medina Memorial Health Care Systems. Tynan said that this year’s funds will go to improve the North Wing of the hospital, which is where the nursing home is located.
“They have fun different acts,” said TWIG member Sue Phillips. “Each year, it’s always different. It’s fun and affordable.”
Tynan said that in the past, the circus has been held on some of the coldest nights of the year, so they have good attendance and the price makes it affordable for families. She also said that by holding two shows, everyone can be sure to get a good seat.
Besides the circus, Martin said that all of the fun, traditional favorite foods will be available. He also said the circus will again have the popular light-up toys. TWIG will be selling candy to raise extra money during the event.
The price for this year’s show is $12 for an adult ticket at the door. With every adult ticket purchased, children 12 years and younger are admitted free.
Martin said even with prices for things going up, he refused to raise ticket prices.
“I keep prices the same so families can come and be entertained,” Martin said.
Around Orleans County, the Cole All-Star Circus will also be performing at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Albion High School gym. The show will benefit the Close-Up Government Club.
The All-Star Circus also will perform at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Holley Intermediate School gym, benefiting the school’s National Honor Society. Tickets can be purchased at the school offices for $7 in advance or $12 at the door. Children 12 years and younger will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.