Blue Show '78 #7

Scan11526, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Blue Show '78 #8

Scan11523, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Blue Show '78 #9

Scan11525, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

1969 Ringling #1 (From Eric Beheim)

1969 Ringling-1, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. I first arrived in San Diego in June 1969, after having been assigned to a Navy Unit Band stationed at the North Island Naval Air Station. A month later, the Ringling show arrived in town. (I can remember reading a newspaper clipping about the Animal Walk from the train to the Sports Arena. There was some construction going on at the I-5 overpass that required the elephants and lead stock to be walked through in a certain way. The article mentioned that Gunther didn’t speak much English, but a police officer had been found who spoke some German and who was able tell Gunther how to negotiate through the construction site.) A few days later, I used public transportation to travel to the San Diego Sports Arena to catch a matinee performance and to take the following photos. (It was the first time I ever set foot inside the Sport Arena, where I would later spend many happy and productive hours playing for Ringling performances.) Looking at these photos today, it is hard to realize that its been 40 years since they were taken. To quote a famous film producer, “We all have passed a lot of water since then.” Eric "There are 22 pictures in this set which I will complete in a day or so." Buckles

1969 Ringling #2

1969 Ringling-2, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The “Garden in the Sky” aerial ballet.

1969 Ringling #3

1969 Ringling-3, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Jeanette Williams (billed as “First Time in America”)

1969 Ringling #4

1969 Ringling-4, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Ingeborg Rhodin, Jeanette Williams and Sigrid Gebel

1969 Ringling #5

1969 Ringling-5, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The Tundes

1969 Ringling #6

1969 Ringling-6, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The Great Fattini

1969 Ringling #7

1969 Ringling-7, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The “’Twas the Night Before Tomorrow,” spec that closed the first half of the performance offered a rather curious juxtaposition of famous nursery rhyme characters and outer space. (It was almost as if the production team had hastily revamped an existing spec to take advantage of the Apollo 11 and 12 moon landings, both of which occurred during 1969.)

1969 Ringling #8

1969 Ringling-8, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The “space aliens” were depicted as people with huge orange wings (not unlike the “Hawk Men” from the Flash Gordon serials of the 1930’s.)

1969 Ringling #9

1969 Ringling-9, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The music they trudged along to was Prokofieff’s march from the “Love for Three Oranges” and a fragment of “The Procession of Bacchus” by Delibes, not exactly what one would associate with beings from outer space.

1969 Ringling #10

1969 Ringling-10, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Since John Ringling North was still being listed in the program as “producer,” it is possible that the Felds chose not to give this spec the same creative energy and financial resources that they would devote to their own big 100th Anniversary spec that would premiere the following year.

1969 Ringling #11

1969 Ringling-11, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Eleven years later, the outer space theme would be used again for the 110th Edition’s spec with vastly superior results in all areas (thanks to Mattel’s financial assistance.) TO BE CONTINUED:

From Jenny Wallenda

Scan11511, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. THERE WILL BE A FUNERAL MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR ALBERTO ZOPPE ON FRIDAY MAY THE 8TH AT ST MARTHA'S CHURCH IN SARASOTA AND AFTERWARD EVERY ONE WILL MEET AT SHOWFOLKS. PLEASE MARK THE DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR. SEE YOU ALL THERE JENNY WALLENDA

The Royal Menagerie 1829 (From Dave Price)

Buckles13, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. This old engraving shows the home of a once famous menagerie which was exhibited on the Strand, London. Stephen or Stephano Polito was an Italian who toured England with his animals beginning in the late 18th Century. In 1810 he acquired the permanent collection of the Pidcock family, which was housed in this building. The site had been known as Exeter Exchange or simply Exeter Change; Polito began advertising as the Royal Menagerie. This image represents the building during winter, as Polito and his successors continued to troop the menagerie during warm weather. After Polito's death his brother John and later John's father-in-law Edward Cross took over the menagerie. Cross' name is seen here along with the information that he was also a dealer in foreign birds and beasts. Cross supposedly exhibited tigers, hyenas, zebras, kangaroos, and many other exotic animals and it is said that a white tiger appeared here as early as 1820. There was a rather famous elephant Chunee (seen along with other exhibits over the door), which was shot to death here in March 1826. This engraving was published in 1829 shortly before the old building was pulled down. Dave

From Raffaele De Ritis

34montecarlo, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The poster for Monte Carlo Festival 2010. regards Raffaele

From Bernice Orton

Tiger1, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. I just finished painting this tiger. Thought you might want to see it. I did it because Daddy painted one and I wanted to see if I could do it. What do you think? "Somewhat confusing, I received this from cousin Toots Orton who in turn had received it and the above message from Ann Erickson. Maybe this is her younger sister whom I remember as Ann Jean. In any event, it's certainly a well done drawing." Buckles

Mr. and Mrs. Criley Orton

Scan11510, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. On the subject of the Ortons, I never knew my oldest uncle Criley. My mother always called his wife "Big Six" since that was her number on the ladies basketball team in Adel.

Criley Orton #2

Scan11508, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. My dad liked Criley best claiming he came closest of all the brothers to being a real showman. Maybe his interest in Criley's youngest sister might have played a hand in his opinion.

Criley Orton #3

Scan11509, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. My mother told me that the blood clot came as the result of attempting to show the kids how to do a handstand. The recent death of actress Natasha Richardson comes to mind.

From Chic Silber

DUSITZOO, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. A friend sent this photo to me from the Dusit Zoo in Bangkok I had an opportunity to visit this zoo many years ago and I was pleasantly surprised by the vast & varied collection of animals aside from the famed "white" Kings Elephants that are allowed to stroll from their elaborate barn to & from the lake for a dip whenever the lead lady decides to This is not one of them as they are never ridden except by royalty in howdys on special occasions Chic

From Mike Naughton #1

jordan circus in utica, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Recession? What recession? The above photo was taken Wednesday evening, April 1 in front of the Utica Memorial Auditorium where the Jody Jordan World Circus presented two shows prior to appearing this weekend for the Shrine in Syracuse, NY. This is the left side of the building, I tried to get the flashing sign that announced JORDAN CIRCUS; there was a SECOND LINE going in front of the right side of the building. Show folks report that business is booming all season. I took a photo of a sole animal rights protester with her pathetic sign and she wanted to know if I need anymore information about her "group". I told her that I have all the information I need about her group and now that I have her photo I can proceed with my lawsuit. "What lawsuit?", she was shocked. I replied, "The lawsuit where I am going to sue your sorry a** for saying nasty things about my friends. Don't you know it is against the law to accuse people of false charges? Your sign has nothing to do with any of my friends." Several minutes later she was gone, vanished into thin air. A spine as weak as water. Mike

From Mike Naughton #2

pathetic protester, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Cold, damp and unlucky in love. Nothing to do but to waste time; I should put up a few signs that protest the use of processing trees for the posters she uses to protest the circus. Don't the trees have rights, too? God Bless America; I think our National Fruit is NUTS.

Clyde Beatty Cole Bros. 1983 #1 (From Joe Giordano)

Clyde Beatty Cole Bros CBCB83 -117 S, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Buckles I have been sorting and organizing my thousands of slides. Don't ask!!! Should have kept up with the organization as I took the photos and made notes. Anyway... Can you help identify the elephant on the right in the attached photo's?. See photo numbers CBCB83-117S & CBCB83-118S. I am guessing that the elephant in question is Maude? Photo was taken Aug.4th-8th 1983, Farmingville LI NY. I believe Maude or Maud was sold during the early 80's to Hawthorne, not sure of the year. Left to right in each photo I have identified Pete, Helen, and Sue. Of course Capt.Fred Logan is in command. "In the SACRED ALL-KNOWING BOOK ON PACHYDERMS, I have 9 elephants listed for the 1983 season "Pete", "Sue", "Helen", "Maude", "Konti", "Ola", "Bessie", "Jewel" and "Frieda". Indicating three rings of three elephants." Buckles

Clyde Beatty Cole Bros. 1983 #2

Clyde Beatty Cole Bros CBCB83 -118 S, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Clyde Beatty Cole Bros. 1983 #3

Clyde Beatty Cole Bros CBCB83 -114 S, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Photo #3 shows Sean "Dog" Quinn putting a howdah on Pete.

Barnes/Floto/RBBB 1938 #1

Scan11485, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Written on the back of this picture: "Partial Daub "Frank Buck" on the pole shed of the former Ringling Bros. Winterquarters in Baraboo, Wis. Aug.3, 1938." I think my dad received this from Bill Kasiska. As you can see this was posted in regard to the show's appearance in Madison the previous day.

Barnes/Floto/RBBB 1938 #2

Scan11489, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. To the hand full of people out there who are unaware, the Ringling Show was forced into closure June 22, 1938 in Scranton, Pa. by striking members of the Teamsters Union. The show returned to Sarasota and after a period of reorganization took part of their big top and seating, a number of their feature performers and a few menagerie attractions, including the "Pigmy" elephants and Gargantua the Great, to augment their #2 Unit, the Al G. Barnes Circus, July 11 at Redfield, So. Dakota. This accounts for the hodge-podge of titles seen on the various wagons and flat cars.

Barnes/Floto/RBBB 1938 #3

Scan11492, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Barnes/Floto/RBBB 1938 # 4

Scan11493, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Barnes/Floto/RBBB 1938 #5

Scan11494, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. You may notice the tarp folded on top of this ticket wagon. When the business of the day was concluded it was dropped down to enshroud the vehicle as it rode the flats similar to the wagon seen in the picture above. If they had continued this practice the train wreck in "The Greatest Show on Earth" might have been avoided.

Barnes/Floto/RBBB 1938 #6

Scan11501, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Hippo den.

Barnes/Floto/RBBB 1938 #7

Scan11502, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. These cages being butted together might house Terrell Jacobs cat act.

Barnes/Floto/RBBB 1938 #8

Scan11503, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. These next few pictures indicate a corral menagerie on this lot. Appears to be plenty of room, probably a late arrival.

Barnes/Floto/RBBB 1938 #9

Scan11504, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Barnes/Floto/RBBB 1938 #10

Scan11505, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Barnes/Floto/RBBB 1938 #11

Scan11506, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Gorilla den.

Barnes/Floto/RBBB 1938#12

Scan11507, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Mr. Buck being borne into the big top and around the hippodrome track for his introduction. The show closed the season Nov. 27 in Sarasota and everything moved into the RBBB quarters marking the close of Al G. Barnes and Sells-Floto Circus forever. This placed a total of 49 elephants in the barn however three went to Frank Buck in lieu of back wages for his forthcoming 1939 Worlds Fair Exhibit (Yasso, Frieda and Sparks Topsy). An elephant named "Blanche" was sold to Hunt Bros. Circus and "Floto Jennie" went to the Cleveland Zoo. The remaining 44 were taken on tour with the Ringling Show in 1939 and were needed since North had disposed of the baggage horses and the Teamsters who had caused all the trouble in the first place. This was made possible by former Barnes elephant boss Walter McLain who took over and assigned many of the additional elephants to do the work previously done by baggage stock thereby loading and unloading the train as well as hauling equipment back and forth to the circus grounds.

From Mike Naughton

IMG00039-20090328-2222, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The Tallest and the Smallest at Hamid's Shrine Circus, Canton, Ohio. Mike Naughton checks out Tina Winn's portable dressing room that features a lighted vanity/mirror/chair with tons of room for storage and garment racks that extend from the sides of the "Johnny Box", named after the creator John Daly, Jr. There is a flat screen television plus other amenities. Mike placed an order for his portable dressing room upon seeing Tina's. Hamids had three units working this past weekend throughout the Northeast.

Sarasota Sailor Circus #1 (From Jim Cole)

IMG_9593, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Sarasota High School P.A.L. Sailor Circus March 25 - April 4 Sarasota FL

Sarasota Sailor Circus #2

IMG_9587, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Sarasota Sailor Circus #3

IMG_9656, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Sarasota Sailor Circus #4

IMG_9616, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Sarasota Sailor Circus #5

IMG_9606, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Sarasota Sailor Circus #6

IMG_9644, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Sarasota Sailor Circus #7

IMG_9697, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Sarasota Sailor Circus #8

IMG_9704, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Sarasota Sailor Circus #9

IMG_9700, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Sarasota Herald Tribune (From Don Covington)

bilde, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Decades of Devotion Since 1949, fourth- to 12th-graders have been high-wire walking, trapeze hanging, tumbling and doing aerial acrobatics, all in the company of what they often refer to as a “second family.” Hundreds of volunteers, many of whom are alums, have donated more than 25,000 hours to the circus, showing their commitment to a cause so dear to their hearts. On this, the 60th anniversary of the organization, here is a look back at the evolution of the Sailor Circus and the performers who have enriched its history. The 1950s: LOU ANN PALMER, current mayor of Sarasota Why did you decide to join? I was 13 when I joined in 1950, and I was an acrobat by nature. I could turn myself inside out and sit on my head, and being in the circus was a perfect opportunity to do that on a trapeze. What is your fondest memory? I guess the funniest thing for me was when I did my swinging ladder act. It was right after the horse act, so you can imagine. The first night, I was stepping in number one. The second night, it was number two. And the third night, it was a double hitter. Why is the anniversary important to you? Any anniversary is important for an organization that has done so much for young people. The circus teaches teamwork, discipline and respect. It's such a great learning experience. The 1960s: WILLIE EDELSTON, retiree Why did you decide to join? I joined in 1962 when I was 39 because the coaching staff needed help at the time and I was willing. I had been an acrobat and a hand balancer in the past, so I helped with the acrobatic troupe. What is your fondest memory? One tour really stands out for me. It was in 1973, when we took the Sailor Circus -- the tent and everything -- all of our equipment to Anchorage, Alaska. It was an amazing tour for us to make it all the way there and see the sights. Why is the anniversary important to you? I'm going to see a lot of old friends, a lot of people I probably won't recognize, at the anniversary celebration. The circus is important because it's a tradition. If it weren't for the Ringling brothers, Sarasota wouldn't be what it is; that's what brought people here. The preservation of the circus is very important to me. The 1970s: PATTY CAMPBELL, current director of the Sailor Circus Why did you decide to join? We moved to Florida in 1969, the year I joined, and I was 9 years old. The kids I met a couple doors down from our house were enrolled in the circus. They got me into it. I had no talent at the time. What is your fondest memory? The overall experience, the thrill of performing, was really phenomenal. Being in the program was like walking into this huge family. We'd all go to the beach together or go to other people's houses for large family barbecues. Why is the anniversary important to you? It's important because that same family environment still goes on today. For an organization to be going on for so long and still keeping that same family bond for new generations is just incredible. The 1980s: SUSAN LOEFFLER, current artistic director of the Sailor Circus Why did you decide to join? My father is Jeff Voyles, and he was the assistant director of the circus in 1978, when I joined when I was 10. I was running around the circus when I was 2 or 3 years old, so it was natural for me to be a part of it. What is your fondest memory? Your senior year at the circus is always a really special time, an emotional time. You've graduated from high school and you're looking at what your life is going to be like without these people you've basically grown up with. It's very gratifying when it's all said and done, that you were a part of this special family. Why is the anniversary important to you? It's celebrating an amazing organization. Some of the friendships I made in the circus I still have today. It's a very unique experience that every young person should have the opportunity to try. The 1990s: KELLY PRINCE, owner of Body Heat yoga studio in Sarasota Why did you decide to join? I had a friend in the circus when I joined in 1983 in third grade, and my mom was in it when she was younger. I was like, 'I have to do this.' It was a family thing. What is your fondest memory? The last couple nights of shows when I was graduating. It was like leaving all your friends that you grew up with, but at the same time, it was a feeling of accomplishment to have gone through the program. Why is the anniversary important to you? Because the circus means so much to so many people. I learned dedication and a lot of responsibility. I would never want a kid not to experience what I had. If you can learn to do a back flip or walk the trapeze, you feel you can do anything.