7th Year January 30, 1978 Number 5

Roof Falls InThree years ago a sell-out crowd of 10,507 jammed into the Hartford (Conn.) Civic Center to

celebrate the opening of this new show place arena. On Jan. 18th sports fans were lucky not to beinside when winter storms devastated the huge building.

Just five hours after a crowd of 5,000 people left the building, after attending a College basket-ball double-header, the roof collapsed. Tons of snow, steel and concrete fell in on the seating areaand arena floor.

Ironically, Jeanne Dixon, a regular head-liner in the National Enquirer, reportedly pre-dicted that the opening night hockey game atthe arena would become a mass funeral whenthe roof caved in. Fortunately, her predictionwas a little off, timing wise.

During the past three years patrons at thearena, viewing its modem styling, have oftenwondered what held up the roof. One of thebuilding's attractions was its amazing ceiling.

The accident has left the New England Wha-lers, hockey team, without a home rink. Theyare expected to move into the slightly smallerarena at nearby Springfield, Mass.

"We absolutely will not move out," sayshockey club official Howard Baldwin.

Local officials viewing the rubble said itwill be about two years before the arena is re-built and ready for use once again.

Page 2 January 30,1978

Show's BrokeA plea for involuntary dissolution was filedlate last month by the North American Oper-ating Co., of East Berlin, Pa., in an AdamsCounty bankruptcy court. Judge John A. MacPhail appointed Attorney G. Henry Seaks asreceiver for the corporation.According to the petition, the corporationwhich operates the student-staffed Circus Kirk"is insolvent... and because of deteriorationof equipment and facilities, it is no longer ca-pable of accomplishing the objects of the cor-poration."

Hie petition further states that the continued"operation of the corporation and use of cor-porate assets will result in waste and be ad-verse to the interest of the corporation, itsstockholders and the creditors of the corpor-ation."

Assets of the North American Operating Co.,are listed at approximately $10,000, whiledebts are estimated to exceed $100.000.

MailroomThis past week the Post Office has returnedmailed addressed to:

Mary E. Wilkins L. David Harris

It is marked "Not Deliverable As AddressedUnable to Forward".

WANTRetired Couple or Single Man for yeararound caretaker position. Free rentand utilities in modern apartment inexchange for light chores.

ALSO WANTED

Experienced semi-truck driver to workaround elephants and travel circusroute. Year around employment.

Contact: LEE KEENER

BUCKEYE CIRCUS CORP.CANTON, OHIO

Phone: (216)484-5623

A REVIEWby Tony Conway

In "Logistics of the American Circus" authorJoe McKennon covers the working end of thecircus. Told in a matter-of-fact way, the bookneither glosses over the difficulties of circuslife nor over-emphasizes any of those areasthat some authors dwell on to attain a best-seller.

After some valuable historical information,the author presents a detailed table of organ-ization starting with the owner and, includingsuch duties as banner tacker, bug man, insidelecturer, connection ticket seller, doniker man,skinner, bull hand, on down to dog boy.McKennon deals basically with a composite ofthe outfits with which he trouped. His creditsinclude Sells Floto, Hagenbeck-Wallace, JohnRobinson, Al G. Barnes, Col. Tim McCoy'sReal Wild West and Ringling Bros, and Bamum& Bailey. However, the 30 car circus remains,in his view, as the most typical and he des-cribes it with real affection.

This fine volume is illustrated with approxi-mately 90 photographs from the files of ma-jor collectors and such outstanding institu-tions as the Ringling Museum of the Circus,Sarasota, Florida.THE CIRCUS REPORT is published each week byDon Marcks, 525 Oak St., El Cerrlto, Calif. 94530Phone: (415) 525-3332.SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $12.00 a year; Overseasvia Surface Mall Is $15.00 a year.ADVERTISING RATES: Minimum Ad $5.00; Quar-ter Page $10.00; Half Page $15.00; Full Page $25.00

FOR SALE2 DRESSAGE HORSES

One beautiful Sorrel Gelding - A 5 minuteroutine featuring Rear and Strike

One Palamino - A 4 minute routine - Partof act at liberty - Featuring hind legwalk

SYD MOOREP. O. Box 469 Tucson, Ariz. 85702

Phone: (602) 888-2774

The Circus Report Page 3

-AVAILABLE FOR 1978 DATES -

The cylmazing ConklinsAMERICA'S OUTSTANDING MAGICAL ATTRACTION

Featured on

TV, Fairs, Trade Shows, Conventions, Banquets, Malls andCircuses — Acts custom Designed to fit your needs.

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A M E R I C A ' S F I N E S T M A G I C S H O W

90 Ac t ion-packed , C o l o r f u l M i n u t e s — C o m p l e t e l y Se l f -con ta ined

For Sponsored Dates

W R I T E :608 Maple Street

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Show DatesCircus Vargas

Jan. 30-Feb. 2 Brownsville, TexasFeb. 3-6 McAllcn

Cole All Star TV CircusJan. 30 Emporium, Pa.

31 SmethportFeb. 1 Franklinville, N.Y.

2 Portville3 Friendship4 Olean5 Richburg

Sam T. Polack CircusFeb. 1-5 Louisville, Ky.

Ringling-Bamum - Blue UnitFeb. 1-5 Jacksonville, Fla.

OTHER DATES

Vince Carmen's Razzle DazzleJan. 30 Uvalde, Texas

31 Eagles PassFeb. 1 Laredo

2 Del Rio3 Liberty Hill4 Killen

Dondi, the Baby ElephantFeb. 1-5 Louisville, Ky.

Fred, the Cockatooto Feb. 5 Dallas, Texas

FOR SALE FOUR ANIMAL ACTS -

5 year old Asian Elephant - 2 Chimps - Llama

Pigmy Goats - White Shepherd Pick-out Dog

trucks, Cages, Props, etc. -

NEIL FRANZENDonna, Texas - 7853?' Phone: (512) 464-3704

Holiday on Ice - IntlJan 31-Feb 5 Greenville, S.C.

Holiday on Ice • Nat'lto Feb. 5 Milwaukee, Wise.

Holveck & Co. (Magic)Jan. 31 Shasta, Calif.Feb. 1 Dinuba

2 Woodlake

Ice Capades - Eastern UnitJan 31-Feb 12 Washington, DC

Ice Capades - Western UnitFeb. 2-5 St. Paul, Minn.

Ice FolliesJan 31-Feb 6 Montreal, Quebec

Bob Jones Petting ZooJan. 30-Feb 3 Shore, N. J.

Little Lion LandJan 31-Feb 4 Pensacola, Fla.

Victor, the Rasslin' BearJan 28-Feb 5 Philadelphia, Pa.

^ »»»***••»»»••»••»»•««»««•»•••••••••••»»»'******

• "Everybody Just keep spinning theirropes Mil I figure out what to do nextl"

.»»»»»»»••••»•••»»»»•••»*»»»»Hb.A.1) THAI' HAND HA1.A \C1.VG CLOUD SWING

MORTON MERAZ 302 17th STREET

MERAZSAN DIEGO. CALIFORNIA 92101 (714) 238 1375>••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

IT'S RUMOR TIME again for RBBB and its proposed 3rd unit.Since I got caught in the crossfireof the rumor war two years ago, Iwon't venture beyond this point.At any rate, virtually everyone Iencountered in Florida told methere would be (and soon) aTHIRD UNIT, so make of it whatyou will IThe Super-sensation of RinglingBlue are BARBARA WOODCOCKand BENNY WILLIAMS! ELVINBALE debuted his new rocket-cannon act and, word has it, thatthis year's Spec is the best ever.SNAPSHOTS: ALICE and LAU-RA WALKER catered a ChristmasEve Big Top Buffet for "allhands" on the Emmett Kelly, Jr.Circus in Ft. Lauderdale...TIMMYBICKMOREhasanewDodgeMini-Motor Home and LARRYJOYNER recently purchased anew Diesel Tractor for his lionrig.. ..KATHY FLETCHER is do-ing a 2 and a half in the PAT LANEflying act, now with Vargas. . . .CARLAWALLENDA and MIKEMORGAN (Organist with theDubsky-Jordan Circus) are a "hctitem". . . ERNIE and MARANBURCH bought a home in Sara-sota... V ICKY OLER is secretaryto her dad, both busy at Fair Con-ventions. .. R IETTAWALLENDAand MIKE ASHTON announcedtheir engagement . . . JENNY WA-LLENDA is hostessing the newlyinaugurated Sat. Nite Dances atShowfo lks . . . BILL KAY willproduce the Showfolks Circusthis fa l l . . . B I L L B R I C K L E i s o nthe road with his School Unit...ELFIE KLEMENTI writes theyreally enjoyed their European va-cation after three seasons workingnon-stop with Circus Vargas. TheKLEMENTI's will spot date theU.S. this season . .. DON BRID-WELL says his Canadian tour of1977 was "rough", which seemsto be the same story I am getting

from everyone who was in Canada. . . SANDRA WYNDLAND mis-sed a mount during the CV ele-phant display in Tampa and frac-tured her heel - she is now oncrutches... WALLY NAGHTINbought 8% acres in Gibsonton,right across the street from whereBILLY RODGERS is building hisnew shop. Billy was instrumentalin arranging purchase of the pro-perty which will be co-owned byWally and Cemon... Living leg-end ETHEL JENNIER was Honor-ary Flagbearer during the NationalAnthem at Circus Vargas' glitter-ing Tampa (Fla) opening night...TED BOWMAN will handle theCarson & Barnes office out ofHugo and will not tour with theshow. . . SID KELLNER, accord-ing to rumor, will helm the newDOREY MILLER produced cir-cus, utilizing Sid's equipment,when it opens in March in Cali-fornia.EVERYONE IS RAVING aboutthe Wonderful World of Circus,the new Dubsky-Jordan producedshow being featured at the Cir-cus Hall of Fame, and the ravesare deserved. Good acts, greatwardrobe, terrific special effectsand fine music, capped by an out-standing overall presentation.Good luck, kids, you've earbed it.The CANISTRELLI 's trampolineact, one of the best, won theAward in Monte Carlo . . . RAM(Rosaire) ZOPPE's dog trailer (ahouse trailer) burned behind JOEZOPPE's barn. Pam lost mementosand scrapbooks and the barn near-ly caught fire. Nobody was hurt,but what a way to bring in NewYear's Day . . . The JAMES ZOP-PE riding act, newly framed, will.be with the STEBBING Circus. . .The EMMETT KELLY, JR. Circuswill appear at the DOROTHYCHANDLER Pavill ion in Los Ang-eles in May ... PAM and MERLECOOK adopted a Vietnamese or-

phan girl. The Cooks will spot date'this season . . . The CORONA pro-duced West Orange (NJ) CircusDate has been extended to 10 days,..The FLYING LANES boughtthe rigging formerly used by PHIL& F R A N C I N E . . . W I R E N G A R Dbuilt GARY THORNTON'S newdog act props and is also makingnew props for REX WILLIAMS.Rex, by the way, Wl LL honor hiscontract at Baraboo, running 16weeks, but then returns post-hasteto Vargas where WALLY ROSSwill suit in his absence.LILLI-ANAand KIM KRISTEN-SEN to make the BILL KAYdates... The NAVARROS intro-duce their 3 girl cradle act in Ro-chester for Chuck and Grace...JAN (Nicole, Alexandria, Suzette)JOYNER sez she is retiring hertrap ac t . . . CLIFF VARGAS re-luctantly sold his prized two-headed cow, Princess, to ALMOODY. It became too difficultto care for the animal and she gota good h o m e . . . HELEN AMAN-OIS is the guiding light of theAmandis Entertainment Agenyand no doubt about it! . . .Work-ing from morn 'til night andhardly every getting out of theh o u s e . . . G E O R G E DaDEPPO isDirector of Public Relat ions of tthe forth-coming CFA Conven-tion. . . WALT KING advises thatHARRIETT BEATTY and EDDIESAY are devoting themselves topromotional business now thatthey've sold their cat act to King.AERIALETTA guest-starred onCircus Vargas in Tampa, receivedaccolades, a bouquet of carna-tions, plus a kiss from Cliff Var-gas! . . . T h e FLYING PAD IL LASwho will be with Beatty-Cole, arenow playing early dates for TOM-MY H A N N E F O R D . . . GEE GEEENGESSER, with a new face andloss of weight, sets all the talentwith the Gatini Circus, this year

(Continued on Page 12)

Page 6 January 30,1978

BETTY WENDANY'SFUNS-A-POPPINPackage Shows to Fit Your Needs

Box 391, Sunland, Calif. - 91040(213) 352-4277 (213) 352-2454

The 24th annual Zor Shrine Circus, at Madi-son, Wise., will be produced by William Kay.The Feb. 17-19 performances will be present-ed at the Dane County Coliseum.Featured on the program will be: Blinko &Maran, balloon warm-up; Baron Julius VonUhl, lions and tigers; the Kelly elephants; TheCannestrellis, trampoline; The Bisbinis, balan-cing; the Sensational Leighs, giant space wheel;The Verdus, rolling globes; The Karinas, com-edy trampoline; The Flying Vazquez, fling act;Caesar, the unrideable mule; Hall's Bears; Bar-on's illusions; Roman Schmitt, rhino and ele-phant; The Moscovitz Troupe, giant swing;Bill Brickie's Poodles; Le Castros, high wire;The Meldren Sisters, acrobatic; Sir ChadwickeChase, comedy car; The Brothers Vazquez,aerial; the Aerial Lovelies and the Circus Con-cert Band.Other show personnel includes: Bob Hedberg,Zor Circus Director; Bill Kay, performancedirector; Gurnee Bridgman, public relationsand John Malett, musical director.Clown Alley will include: Al Ross, 'Blinko'Burch, Joe Sherman, Ed Ball and Bill Vaughn.

FOR SALEMiniature Horses and Miniature Cattle

21" to 32"We have two hundred animals to choosefrom:Four Thatched black males 2 yrs old 31"One 2 yr old cow 23" - color blackOne dwarf female horse 21" -2 yrs old

J. C. WILLIAMS, Jr.Rte. 4 Inman, S. C. - 29349

Phone:(803)472-9788

TALENTThe "It's Vaudeville" show presented at theVariety Arts Theatre in Los Angeles (Calif.)on Dec. 29-31 featured:

Boy Foy and Fay, unicycle; Milt Larson, ma-gician; Katie Hopkins Zerby, musical; GeneBell, dancer; The Wiere Brothers, comedy andKathy Batchelor and her horse "Mr. B."

In MemoriamERNIE HELDMAN, a full-time professionalmagician and operator of a magic shop in NewOrleans, died in that city on Nov. 8th. He wasa builder of magic and sold money gift plansto banks. Survivors include his former wife,two daughters and a son.VICTOR TRASK, an employee of the State ofCalifornia hospitals, he was an avid magicianand magic fan At one time he and his late wife,Caroline, did an act together for hospitals. Hedied at Veterans Hospital in Los Angeles onNov. 25th, a victim of cancer.

EURQPQRAMA. ING.INTERNATIONAL J O H N W I N N . President

223 West Main St., Suite 205, Medford , Oregon 97501 - Phone: (503) 779-7441

A E R I A L THRILL ind N O V E L T Y ACTS FUNNY CLOWNS- A C O M P L E T E 2 HOUR SHOW -

The Circus Report Page 7

CUSTOM COLORCIRCUS PHOTOS

SPECIAL FOR MONTH OF FEBRUARYHALF PRICE SPECIAL !! Listing No. 2describing in detail over 1600 full-colorphotographs only 75c (normally $1.50)

CUSTOM COLOR CIRCUS PHOTOS1509 South Clinton Avenue

Berwyn, Illinois 60402Home of over 2000 full-color circus photos!

Price increase coming - order now and save!

Despite bad weather attendance at the Voor-heis Bros. Circus dates in Michigan this month.was quite good. It took some effort to makejumps, with a normal four hour run takingslightly over six hours to make.Featured on the program were: Harry (RickLegg), the clown, Come-in; the 'old* peanutpitch; Miss Diana Yoxall, web; Harry withthe soda pop balance gag; Jerry and ShirleyConklin, illusions; Danny Daniels, juggling/comedy; Intermission; Miss Diana, ladder; Har-ry, in the artist's sketch; Balloon Pitch; TheAmazing Conklins, magic/illusions; and Yox-all's Merry Menagerie.Danny Daniels provided music on the organand Col. Bill Voorheis was the ringmaster.

Rick Legg

WANTED

AIRCALLIOPE

MAIL: Description,'Price andif available, picture.

JACK ATKINSONP. O. Box 30082

B i r m i n g h a m , Ala. - 35222

ATTENTIONJeff Brownhut Promotions, producers of someof the largest outdoor shows in the UnitedKingdom, from May through September, areinterested in hearing from spectacular acts thatcan be featured in their shows.

Acts interested can write and send photos to:Jeff Brownhut Promotions, Gledhow Mansion,Roxholme Grove, Leeds LS7-4JJ, the UnitedKingdom.

Clown WantedTO TRAVEL WITH HOXIE BROS. CIRCUS - MUST BE MALE, SINGLE,

and SOBER. ALSO NEEDS TO BE LICENSED DRIVER.

- WE PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION, COOKHOUSE and LODGING -

CONTACT AT ONCEHOXIE TUCKER9140 S. W. 59th A v e n u eSo. Miami, Fla. - 33133Phone: (305) 661-7193 ( N i g h t s )

(305) 592-3909 ( W i n t e r Quarters)

( o r ) J O H N L E W I S(305)665-3069

( N i g h t s )

PageS January 30, 1978

Flash!The following press release was received onSaturday, Jan. 21st.

Frank Wells, President of Warner Bros., andAcademy Award winning producer, Irwin Al-len, have signed a contract with Irvin Feld'sand Kenneth Feld's Ringling Bros, and Bamum& Bailey Circus for the filming of Allen's up-coming super-spectacular motion picture, "Cir-cus, Circus, Circus."The giant star-studded film set for a spring re-lease in 1979 will be budgeted at $15 millionand is based on a screenplay by AcademyAward Winner Edward Anhalt.

In making the joint announcement with Ring-ling Bros, and Bamum & Bailey Circus, Produ-cer and President Irvin Feld, Co-producer Ken-neth Feld, Warner Bros., President Frank Wellsand Allen said the legendary 108 year old cir-cus, its headline acts, and its Blue and RedUnits would be utilized for the three hour"movie-movie" which begins pre-productionin Hollywood this week.

Feld, commenting on the new contract withWarner Bros., said of Allen, "It's been twenty-

ROY RABAT and DON McLENNON are busythese days working with Dogs For The Deaf,training the animate in Oregon.

HARRY tiLACKSTONE, Jr., is featured onthe cover of the Jan. 1978 issue of "Tops"magazine.

SAL ROSAL, a former Ringling-Bamum em-ployee who goes back to the undercanvas days,<is currently president of the Friendship Hor-izon Club in Sarasota, Fla.

nine years since DeMille made 'The GreatestShow on Earth'. We've been waiting for anotherC. B. to come along!" The Felds will act astechnical consultants.Wells reported casting on the motion picturewill consist of no less than six stars and twosuperstar names.Allen, who will produce and direct, describedthe film as a super-action adventure epic whichwill bring to the screen all the glamour, color,and spectacle of "The Greatest Show on Earth."

"SOUTHERN SAWDUST"Grab these hard to get issues:

No. 90 - Feb. '77 cover Lou Ann JacobsNo. 91 - May '77 cover Gunther Gebel Wil-

liams and LeopardNo. 92 - Aug. '77 cover Corky Cristiani and

"Tommy"No. 93 - Nov. '77 cover Sole Bros. "Susan

Marie"Price $2,00 each

Better yet, subscribe to "Southern Sawdust"for the next four (4) quarterly issues at just$7.50. A "Must" for the circus-minded fromsunny Sarasota.

CIRCUSCOLLECTORS KITS

Something for everyone - Pictures,Brochures, Newspaper Clippings,Route Cards, Passes, Tickets, Lithos.All from current circuses — Plus anadded Bonus in each Kit "SouthernSawdust "^magazine for the CircusMinded.

- All for $8.00 -

David P. OrrEastern Representative, Southern SawdustCherry St., Sandy Hook, Conn. - 06482

Watch tor "Southern Sawdust" on the road during 1978.

Opening dates for Hamid-Morton, Hart lord, Conn., and

Hannelord, White Plains, IN. Y. during February

The Circus Report Page 9

FOR SALE* Seat Wagons, with or without

tractors* Air Calliope* One Elephant Skin Dog

(Chinese Crested)* Miscellaneous Surplus Equipment

Write: O. R. SCHLEENTZP. O. Box 1712Valdosta, Ga. - 31601

or call (912) 788-8132

In MemoriamDAVE J. LUSTIG (La Velma) (84) died sud-denly at his home in Bridgeport, Conn., onSept. 30,1977. He served in every facet ofshow business and was an advisor to such greatmagicians as Houdini and Dunninger. He alsoserved as a publicity man for motion picturecompanies. He is credited with knowing moreabout methods of professional mentalism thananyone else in the world. He is survived by adaughter, Miriam.

A good way to keep up on what'sgoing on in the circus world andwith show folks in general is to bea regular reader of Circus Report.Why not subscribe today? The costis just $12.00 a year for a copy eachweek.

MUSICIANS WANTEDTrumpet - Trombone - Keyboard -Drums - Fender bass — Must be goodreaders.For traveling show oepning in February- Transportation and AccommodationsFurnished - One show daily - All in-door dates.Send Resumes and photos, if possible to:

MUSICIANSBox 205 Sarasota, Fla. - 33577

Wanted- PHONE PROMOTERS -

Couples Preferred — Need Immediatelyfor Big John Strong's Intl Circusand stage show "This Is Magic"

Call Mornings: (714) 797-0232or write: 37093 Oak Glen Road

Yucaipa, Calif. - 92399

MiscellaneousCanadian residents made many protests overthe use of bears in the Moscow Circus, whichplayed there late last year. They charged thebears were taught to do tricks by cruel and in-humane methods. One "do-gooder" even sug-gested that the bears wouldn't have to wearmuzzles if they were treated with kindness andpatience.

Garden Bros. Circus is set to open its 1978 sea-son at Allentown, Pa., on March 5th.

FOR SALEDIGGER CONCESSION TRAILER

14 ft. center joint - All Aluminum -Tandem Axle - Lots of Light ing - 16sets of Diggers - Like New - Fullyflashed - Lots of stock - Bargain.

Also

J E W E L R Y T R A I L E R

16 ft. Jewelry Tra i le r - Comple tewith cases and lots of clean stockStored in Cal i fornia near San Fran-cisco.

"Save Money W i t h Johnny"

J O H N N Y C A N O L E465 N. E. 102nd Street

Miami Shores, Fla. -33138P h o n e : ( 3 0 5 ) 7 5 1 - 0 2 0 6

Page 10 January 30, 1978

MARTIN and DOWNS CIRCUSW4/VTS

FOR 1978 SEASON IN CANA.DA (18 Weeks)

Fami ly or Single Performers doing two or more acts — Aerial andAnimal Acts, especially dog act.

Manage r for Snake Show and Pony Ride — 24 Hour Man - Canalso use Organist wi th own equ ipmen t and transportation — Onemore C o n t r a c t i n g Agen t (no phone contract) — Billposters withown t r anspor t a t ion — Boss Canvasman - Superintendent for 70 ft.top w i t h two 30's.

SHOW P R O V I D E S G A S A N D C O O K H O U S E

W R I T E S T A T I N G S A L A R Y W I T H P H O T O S A N D R E S U M E T O

P. O. Box 1210C a m p b e l l f o r d , OntarioC a n a d a - KOL • 1LO

A. W. S T E N C E L Lor Telephone:(705) 653 - 3530

L — Enoch Bradford please contact —

BOBBY GIBBS will be tour-ing with the D. R. MILLER'ssecond show unit this year.

DON PHILIPS will play theLouisville, Ky., Sports Showthe last ten days of this month.He will be assisted by CAR-OL during the date.

BOB and ROSA GIBBS, plusGLEN, ETHEL and SHIRLEYHENRY were guests of theFuentes Family for the pre-miere of their Circo Unionshow in Mexico City (Dec. 31).

R. P. GRAY, president of In-ternational Entertainment,is the proud father of a babygirl (Brandy Alectra Gray)born on Dec. 14, 1977.

MICHON, the wild animaltrainer who has been working

for JOHN CUNEO left forHolland on Jan. 8th.

JOE LOUIS, former world'sheavyweight boxing champ,is reported in good conditionat Methodist Hospital in Hou-ston (Texas) where he hasbeen confined since Nov. 3rdfor surgery due to a ballonedblood vessel.

THE CANNESTRELLIS andHALLS are set to work several;Sport Shows after their datewith the Shrine Circus in Mad-ison, Wise.

AL VIDBEL and his elephantswill be a part of the programfor the Albany, N. Y. shrinecircus, set for early March.

TEX HARRISON is doingsome advance work for theGlobetrotters. He says thatnext year the group mightjust go visit Red China.

A M E R I C A ' S NO. 1MAGIC SHOW

18239 N. E. 182nd Ave.Brush Prairie, Wash.

98606

PTlone: (206) 256-6178

The Circus Report Page 11

READ: " • ' " " ' i * ;;: ., . . - " - . . . . ,.,"The First John Ringling North Era'of Ringling Bros, and Barnum & Bailey Circus - 1938-1942

by Joseph T. BradburyNational Historian of the Circus Fans Association

A feature of The White Tops magazine (Nov.-Dec. 1977) with 44illustrations. Also featured are reviews of Ringling 'Red1 , Beatty-Cole, King-Cole, Hagen Wallace-Sells & Gray, TNT & Royal Olympic,plus other special articles and pictures. A big 72 pages in all.

Send $2.00 plus 75c for Postage and Handling to:

THE WHITE TOPSP. O. Box 375 Rochelle, 111. • 61068

There were four classes of competition at theannual Circus Festival of Monte Carlo, withthe final event, featuring the winners, seen onTV this past week (Jan. 18). The competingclasses were: Ground Acrobats, Clowning,Aerial Acts and Animal Acts.

Winners, presented with trophies by the judgeswere: Golden Clown to the Knie Family forits work with animal acts; Silver Clown to theCannestrelli Family, trampoline; Silver Clownto The Antares, aerial act; Silver Clown to theCristoffs, balancing, and the Silagis Troupe,teeterboard.

Special awards were presented to Dolly Jacobs,Roman rings; Lou Jacobs, clown and the Car-rill o Bros., high wire act.

COMINGFeb. 12 — "The Great Wallenda's" on NBC-TV

Mar. 8 — "Highlights of Ringling Bros, andBarnum & Bailey Circus" onNBC-TV

Show SetThe month of January finds many show folkswintering in the great state of Texas.Don Washburn (Sparky) and Phil Shear (Phil-lipe), clowns, are staying in Fort Worth afterworking the Christmas holidays as Santa Clausat a local mall.Steve Baker (Checkers) and Gary Ray (Pat-ches), clowns, are spending the winter in Ar-lington, playing spot dates and awaiting theirSpring opening at Six Flags Over Texas amusement Park.Joe Schmitt, Jr. (Skippy), clown, is at homein Euless after a busy Christmas season build-ing new props and getting ready for 1978.Julie and Eddie Ventura (Ventura Duo) havetheir rigging up at the Schmitt's residence,practicing new routines for their aerial perchact which returns to Carden-Johnson/Clyde.Bros, for the 1978 season.It seems that the Dallas/ Fort Worth area willsoon become the new "Sarasota" for showsand performers.

. . . . Joe Schmitt, Jr.

Page 12 January 30, 1978

CUSTOM COLORCIRCUS PHOTOSSPECIAL FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARYWrite for FREE brochure listing the circusesand dates of which photos are available, plusFREE copy of Listing No. 1 describing in de-tail almost 200 full-color photographs.

CUSTOM COLOR CIRCUS PHOTOS1509 South Clinton Avenue

Berwyn, Illinois 60402Home of over 2000 full-color circus photos!Price increase coming - order now and save!!

MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV, a former Sovietballet star who defected in June 1974 and hassince been with the American Ballet Theatre,is being given serious consideration for the partof Tarzan in an upcoming film.

TONYA YOXALL, two year old daughter ofLES and BARB made her debut in the air atthe Voorheis Bros. Circus dates in Michigan,as sister DIANA turned her ladder into a cra-dle, and Toni did the ins and outs.

THANK YOULEE MALONEYCircus Organist

for your purchase of a Concord Trailer

"SAVE MONEY WITH JOHNNY"

• J O H N N Y CANDLE465 N.E. 102nd StreetMiami Shores, Fla. 33138(305) 751-0206

7100 Sixth AvenueAltoona, Pa. 16602(814) 944-9347 or(814) 943-0003

BILLY BARTON (Continued)

sporting two units, next spring sporting three!

BERNIE BERWIN, KEN BREWSTER and BILLBRICKLE organized and hosted a Gala Big Top NewYear's Eve bash in Gibsonton, which was so success-ful ttie event will be repeated. Over 70 guests were inattendance, free-flowing booze, sumptuous food, andwild entertainment! I missed it due to a party on theVargas show, but I promise to be there next year!

LIFE'S LITTLE LESSONS: Debonair JOHNNY WAL-KER, Jr., essayed a night on the town with the boysduring the Emmett Kelly, Jr. Circus date at Ft. Lau-derdale, only to discover, upon his return, that wifeLAURA had very sweetly locked him out - and OUThe stayed ... ALL NIGHT... and boy! was itCOLD!

See you down the road, luvs.

NC)t6r FROM FEB. 1st ON, I AM AVAILABLE FOR ALL DATES

RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL WILD AND DOMESTIC ANIMAL TRAINER

presenting THE ROYAL CONTINENTAL PERFORMING STALLIONSHIGH SCHOOLLIBERTY * LONG REIN *

* ALL KINDS OF WILD ANIMALS

Training Quarters and HomeR . R . 1, Box 981Venice. Florida 33595 U.S.A.Telephone 813/488-1991

TRICK HORSES * AIRSRINGMASTER *

Please Write or Call: William B. Hall, HIBauer - Hall Enterprises138 Frog Hollow RoadChurchville, Pa. 18966

Call or Write My Home Address - Or Call Circus World (813) 424-2421

The Circus Report Page 13

ARuskin, Fla.January 11, 1978

Dear Mr. Marcks:I want this letter published in your next issueas my answer to the very libelous ad appearingin your Circus Report and paid for by one Law-rence Foerder, alias, Larry Jeffries.Although another name also appears in the ad,a Mr. Willis E. Lawson, I talked with Mr. Law-son today and he said he had no idea thatsuch wording would be a part of the ad andwas angered that Foerder had put his name onthe ad. The Lipizzan Stallions in question be-long to Mr. Lawson and I entered into a leasepurchase arrangement with Mr. Lawson. Mr.Foerder put money down on two of the horsesbut until the total price is paid, he has no juris-diction as to the use of, or the whereabouts ofthe horses. Beyond this, I own a home in Flor-ida and Mr. Foerder has my permanent address.Mail is forwarded to me on a weekly basis fromthis permanent address, even when I'm out ofthe country, as it happened that I was severaltimes this year. 'I have no idea what the $6,000* figure in the adis suppose to represent. As to the "bad check"mentioned in the ad, I think this refers to acheck that I refused to make good on for thefollowing reasons; one, Larry Foerder and hiswife came into Loredo, Texas, to work a twoday show for me. I paid their plane fare fromCalifornia and back. I also gave them somemoney in cash and a check to cover some in-flated expenses, including their Hotel bill whichthey said they would then pay. As it happened,Mr. Foerder, alias, Larry Jeffries, skipped outof town still oweing the Sheraton Hotel in Lor-ado. They approached me on the bill becauseI owned the show. It would have been badenough if he had left only the room rent, buthe had also charged to the room more than $48in long distance phone calls and nearly $70 inbar and food bills. I refused to honor the checkbecause the check represented these expenses.Two, more than a year and a half ago, I soldMr. Foerder two costumes for $200. He paidme with a personal check which was refusedpayment at his bank both times it was present-ed. He has yet to make good on this bad check.

Because Larry Foerder (Jeffries) is a johnny-come-lately, a total rank amateur in the busi-

Show SetComedians Bob Sarlatte and Lorenzo Mata-waran; juggler Mike Davis and singer LanceSandvik are featured in the first of a series of,variety shows scheduled at the WillowsTheatre in Walnut Creek. The programs,which started on Jan. 24th, are presented byGreg McKeag.

Miscellaneous•The circus took honors at the Cotton Bowl onJan. 2nd when the first number played by theIrish Notre Dame band during half-time wasKarl King's "Bamum & Bailey March".

In MemoriamKENNETH P. SCHADECK (26) died early thismonth as a result of injuries suffered in a car ac-cident. He was an apprentice butcher, and amember of the Metropolitan Clown Guild ofChicago and the Naromie Clown Troupe of PalosHeights. He was known as "Zap, the Clown".Survivors include his parents, two brothers anda grandmother.

ness, I can understand his actions in placingthe ad but what I cannot understand is how aresponsible individual in charge of a publica-tion could accept such an ad without checkingthe other party for his side. Surely you mustrealize that there are two sides to every story.Do you really need $15 that badly? I am send-ing copies of the ads to my attorney in Tampato see if we have grounds for a defamation ofcharacter claim.

Again, if anyone wants to contact me it is assimple as writing to the permanent address onmy letterhead. (401 Domino Dr., N., P. O. Box1246, Ruskin, Fla. 33570).The ad was not only a gross insult to me, per-sonally and professionally, but was entirely un-necessary. Also since I'm not a subscriber toyour sheet, if a friend had not shown it to methe ad could have run indefinitely and I wouldnot have seen it.Again, I request that you run this letter in yournext issue as my answer to the false charges inyour publication.Yours sincerely,Don Woods.

Page 14 January 30, 1978

TEARS AGODownie Bros. CircusPittsfield, Mass. - June 23, 1933The show's cookhouse department arrived inPittsfield about 10 p.m. on June 22nd, travel-ing on three trucks — water truck, a truck andtrailer and a single truck. The cook tent wasset up, using four center poles and has 20 din-ing tables. The kitchen top also has four cen-ter poles.Twenty-five big trucks and trailers arrived atabout 5 a.m. in the morning, with the otherequipment coming in by twos and threes allthe way up to noon.Set up on the Deming Playgrounds, the showhas a four pole big top; four pole menagerie;three pole side show; two candy stands; alunch stand and six small stands. They havefive elephants, four camels, 13 ring horses ana12 ponies.The parade started at noon and featured: 22wagons, a leader, five ladies on horseback, aclown cart, two ladies, two horses, two char-iots, eight ponies, a Funny Ford, 5 elephants,4 camels.The trucks, amounting to 60, include: ele-phants, ring horses, Hanneford horses, stakeand chain, electric plant, big top canvas (usedfor band stand in big show), props, poles (allbig top poles), stringers, chairs, side show,8 cage trucks, menagerie, lunch stand, ticketoffice, two chariots, clown cart, small cart,

two stake pullers. All trucks are painted redand most of them are Chevrolet units.In the big top blue seats are on the end withthe grandstand on the long side (11 sections),on the short side there are six sections, eighthigh and with a total of some 952 chairs.

The menagerie, uses 4 center poles and 12quarter poles. In addition to the elephants andcamels there are 5 lions, a tiger, monkeys, ababoon, bear, leopard, lion cubs and a candystand.The side show has 8 banners, 2 double bannersand a stage, 2 ticket boxes, 3 center poles, 6quarter poles, a band stand. Mitzi, mentalist;Musical Act; Sword Swallower; Rag Pictures;Sword Box; Knife Thrower; Hawaiian dancers;Magic, Bag Puncher; Cockatoos and Punch andJudy show.

The dressing tent and ring stock tent are com-bined with dressing rooms on each end. However, most of the performers use their owntrailers.Jack Hoxie has a special tent and six riders inhis show. The Hanneford Troupe has fourhorses.The afternoon show drew a full house withsome people having to sit on the straw. Thatnight two shows had to be given.The cookhouse left about 6 p.m. and the bigtrucks left about 1:30 a.m., with the horsetrucks and house cars leaving about daybreak.

SIX PONY LIBERTY ACTMatched golden palomino's with whitemanes and tails - 32" to 35" tall - be-tween 5 and 6 years old, worked 3 years- two sets of harness, plumes, feedbagsetc - Trained by Bob Grubb of Hugo,Okla.

HIGH SCHOOL HORSE"Sir Bingo, the Painted Wonder" regis-tered A.P.H.A. Paint. Buckskin withwhite marks, white legs, tail, blackmane - 6 year old gelding - weighs1275 Ibs - Height 15.2 hands

C o n t a c t :Box 225S u l p h u r Spr ings , A r k . 72768

D A V E K N O D E R E R

P h o n e : ( 5 0 1 ) 2 9 8 - 3 4 0 2

The Circus Report Page 15

Who's WhoThe roster of visitors to CircusVargas during its brief swingthrough Florida reads like avirtual Who's Who of ShowBusiness. Most of the visitorsshowed up in Tampa whereCliff Vargas had a glitteringgala opening night whichwould give competition toany Hollywood Premiere.

The following list is by nomeans complete, as it was animpossibility to keep track ofeveryone during the four dayengagement.

The cast of Ringling Blue, in-cluding Kenny Feld, BarbaraWoodcock, Elvin and JeanetteBale, Trolle Rodin; Mr. & Mrs.Franc Tihany, with Mr & Mrs.Vasquet; Pam and Merle Cook;Mr. & Mrs. James Fossett; theCorona Family; Emmett Kel-ly, Jr. and wife, Nancy; FrankBall; Jirobo and wife; DoreyMiller; Johnny and Bettyioppe; Victor Gaona; The Flying Gaonas; Mr.& Mrs. Joe King; Bill Ballantine; Aurelia Hall;Del Morals; Estrades; Fred Logan and family;Armond Duo; Gee Gee Engesser and her sonBilly Powell; Bobby Hocum; Mr. & Mrs. Johnlacullo; Bonnie Bonta; the Don Phillips family;John Hurdle; Alex Sebastian; Gil Miller; HoxieTucker; Gunnar Amandis; John Lewis; Albertand Anita Vonderheid; Eugene Lambart; RonDyer; Joanne and Pee Wee Pinson; Lilli, Svendand Kim Kristensen; Angel Noel; Kay Rosaire;Johnny Canole; Linda Hermann; Dave and LoisHoover; Harold Barnes; Walt King; Joe MeMahon; Doris Barnes; Mr. & Mrs. John Pugh;Keith and Kathy Killinger; Miss Aerialetta;Ruth and John Owen; Art Branning; BillyRodgers; Mr. & Mrs. Bill Seli; Doug Lyon; theYoung Troupe; Adele and Gory; the CharlesTroupe; the Barredas; Ge orge and KathyScott; Christine Fossett; Charles Bertini; KayPittinger; Jonsey; the Herriott Family; theManuel Navarro Family; Billy Barton; GeorgeHuble r ; James M. Cole; Walt King; John Hall;Jerry Beeman; Arturo Trostl; Larry Kent; JimDouglass; Vern Woerner; the Welde Family;Dime and Connie Wilson; Lil Wilson; theDrougettes; Fred Canistrellis; Sa Sa Armor;Maria Arnosi Theron; Eddie Zacchini; Wesand Florine Oler and family; Corrine Dearo;La N o r m a and Andre Fox.

Other visitors included: theFornarsaries; Erik Adams, Sr.and Jr.; Petey Kinosh; CarolynHodgson; Lilly and Bill Steb-bings; Carol Stebbings; UrsulaBotcher; the Lodi Duo; PrinceBogino; John Stebbings; Marion and Oscar cristiani; theArgentines; Louis Nagi; RayDirgo; Dennis Stevens; KennyDodd; Bill Brickie; John Meyers; Jackie LeClaire; Aureilaand Eigen and Little JohnNock; Robertos; Larry andJennifer Gill; Lola Dobritch;Phil Miranda; Billy McCabe;Ward Hall; Ethel Jennier; LuAnn Jacobs; Horst Geyer;Pancho Magana; Vashek andKathy; Dolly Jacobs; RonBacon; the Eastwood Family;the La Forms; Billy Griffin;Buzz Barton; Mr. & Mrs. Unus.Teddy and Lisa Stewart; TomInabinette; the HernandezTroupe; Bill Kormpates; theStevensons; Belinda Amandis;Gilbert Fox; Billy Cox; BennyWilliams; Rita; Donna andDebbie Paul; Bunny Pratt andfamily; Ken McConnell andfamily; Jan Plunkett; ChrisHolt; Patti Couls; Mari-Jo

Couls; Jim Nordmark; HinesRucker; Hope Ray and Mrs.Ray; David and Majorie Hac-ket t ; Angelo Bisbini; Mr. &Mrs. Wirengard; the Geraldos;Cheryl and Toby Reed; Ber-nard Berwin; Ken Brewster;Pat Anthony; Harry and Ro-wena Thomas; Milt Robbins;Mel Silverlake; Jorge Russell;the Hodginis; Mafalda; BobbyDavis; Roger Regor; BusterHaig; Dam Bros.; Bob Porter;Boyd and Linda Kimes; theRodriquez Troupe; DannyChapman; Joe Bauer; DonKetter; Francis Durand; AndyDriskie; Harold Spohn; John-ny Walker , Jr.; Laura; BennyWhite; Lucy Herrington; MikeSheckler; Billy Harris; FrankBun; Andy Roberts; DeanPotter; Jimmy Harrington;the Wilson Storey family;Bob Gray; Tim Stinson; Chap-pie Fox; Daviso Cristiani;

•Bob MacDougal; Mr. & Mrs;Mickey Antalk; WhiteyBlack; Lona Antalek; JuneRussell; Dr. Schoeber, ofBusch Gardens; the Commedys;Axel and Donna, and many,many others.

• THE CHRIS ALBERTI'SAll new poodle revue featuring"Oscar" climbing and descendinga flight of stairs in a hand stand.

•-;

GIOVANNI 'S PIZZA SURPRISESide-splitting capers with crockery

1959 Welwyn AvenueDes Plaines, Illinois - 60018

Phone: (312) 824-5178

<ft

Page 2

ELEPHANT CENSUSThe Elephant Census has been compiled by Ray "Sabu" Moreau and Bobby Gibbs, withthe help of William "Buckles" Woodcock and many other elephant trainers and menthroughout the country who keep Ray informed on changes.

Ringling-Barnum -Anna MayGeorgeMuduGildaMarcella (dead)VanceTyMalaJoskyJunoMajorCharlie

Ringling-Barnum -PuppeTichiAssamSaraKongoRaniSuzieEvaPinky

Ringling-Barnum -LckyIndiaJewelBettySuzanneTargaPutsieKemaudiKaren

Circus VargasMinnieLottieJudyTrixieDutchessMunaJack

Circus WorldCarmenPeggyRebeccaHugoZinaSidneyMinyakBarbaraBonnieLouieSophie

Red UnitNellieMaryBananaBabyCitaMayJennyToby

Blue UnitSiamCalcuttaLucyRaniJennyRomaJohnCora

ColonelShirleyHattieKooraSitaDinnu

King Bros. CircusKonti OlaJackie (Sold to zoo in Now York)

Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. CircusPete SueHelen MaudeFreida JewelDebby MissyOmni

Sells & Gray CircusBessie Topsy

Carson & Barnes CircusKay BarabaraNellie SuzieConnie ObertKelly TracyRosie LisaAlta ViolaMargaret LillyBunni SisLibby IslaBetty GusMona IsaAmy OpalPaula RubyHugo KennyDonya BrendaGeneva BombayRemo

Bobby Gibbs (Miller Owned)Marie LydiaMinnie

Oklahoma City Zoo (Miller owned)Mary

Fisher Bros. Circus (Miller Owned)Ellie TelaShirley (to Monroe, La. Zoo)

Tommy HannefordChandre InaTina Trumpet

George HannefordDelkiPatty

Remo CristianiShebaRamoni

CarolLiz

ShaunziSoma

Page 3

E L E P H A N T C E N S U S ( C o n t i n u e d )

Chery! ShawverIvory

Roman SchmittBirka

John Strong CircusNeena

De Wayne Bros. CircusBimbo

Royal Ranch ShowTidy

Robert "Smokey" JonesTika

Mike RiceRajah

Franzen Bros. CircusOkha

Neil FranzenButch

Schmitt Bros.Alita Tanyak (Sold)

Stebbings CircusLou

Jenda SmahaTanya III

Hunt Bros. CircusDolly

Oscar CristianiCarrie BabeShirley Emma

Mac MacDonaldToto Mac

Nuggett CasinoBertha Tina

D. CristianiBabe Suwan

Bill MorrisJewel Cora

Big Top Circus (Davenport)Tommy Suzie Q

Polack Bros. CircusOpal KaeLouie Mike

Mel SilverlakeBig Jenny (sold to Davenport)

Ivan HenryShorty

Mike La TorresStoney

Roy LunsfordBaby Boo (sold to Davenport)

Phil SchachtDondi

Pete LuvasKenya

Paul KellyMary PackyJudy Suky

Walt KingTulsa WandaQueenie

Clyde Bros. No. 1Mary SueMargie

Clyde Bros. No. 2Judy VickieJenny

Al VidbelDaffodil DaisyDandelion

Gee Gee EngesserGee Gee RoxySchell

Murray HillOnyx ToryDutchess

Rex WilliamsReed No. 2 GardnerName not known Ava

Bronx ZooGyp (sold to Circus VargasKate Betty

Gary JohnsonBamboo BimbleCasey

(Continued on Next Page)

Page 4

ELEPHANT CENSUS (Continued)

Commerford & SheaJulie (sold to Davenport)Beulah (sold to Davenport)NellieMinnie

Enchanted VillageLisa MitzieTaj Gabriel

Paul V. KayeDolly DumboPeggy Baby Judy

Bones CraigJackpot

E. Berchtold/M. BerrySaheib ShambiOala DurgaTeak BuddahRaunchi Tunga

Carol BuckleyTarra

Hoxie Bros. CircusSue (died) BonnieHazel JanetKelly StacyHoxie Irene

Hoxie's Mid America CircusMyrtle JessieBetty

John CuneoBombayTessieBillieSiam

Tony DianoTommyCalcuttaMinnie

Hubert Castle CircusZettaJanBunny

Steele - Rice elephantsZola BuckaleeWimpy ChangName not known

DelhiJoyceTinaRani

MysoreDollyTony

PeggyMarie

Elephant DiesAn internal infection has been blamed for thedeath of "Kimi" an elephant at the Oakland(Calif.) Zoo. The 13 year old animal died onJan. 18th after failing to respond to treament.She had been ill for about ten days.

Kimi was donated to the zoo by World Airwayswho flew her in from Bangkok in 1964. Shethen became the subject of a contest as a meansof selecting a name for her. The winner wasMichael Jung who suggested the name Kimi.

A highly intelligent animal, Kimi was a popu-lar attraction at the zoo. Her trainer and zooforeman Val DeLeon had taught her some 65commands and tricks.

The zoo still has a 5 year old African elephantnamed Smokey. It is about 6 feet tall at theshoulder and weighs 3,000 Ibs.

N O T I C EThis week's Elephant Census is correct as ofSeptember 1, 1977.

FOR SALEFOUND! 4 Donaldson half sheet pictorials

A. C. Millers Show (mint). ea. $12.00

Large enamel stock full color pictorial pressbook covers, ornate $ 1.00

Newspaper size heralds - small shows. . . . each $ 2.00

Floyd King's famous pink heralds - for the1956 season each $ 4.00

Heritage Bros, pictorial cards - dated GrandJunction, Colo. Aug. 14th (has old fashionedclown head $ 8.00

2 only - Famous Cristiani Bros, ridingpictorial cards each $ 8.00

Cristiani/Wallace pictorial cards $ 8.00

MILLER'S CURIOSITY PLACERte. 3, Box 323-C, Starke, Fla. - 32091