Posted By thecircusblog on March 17, 2012
Joe Metcalf stands on the left of this photo with Jenny, one of the zoo elephants. Before the Luna Park Zoo was renamed it was called the Selig Zoo. Change of ownership caused the change. Now it is the Los Angeles Zoo. I remember Joe Metcalf so very well from the days of the 101 Ranch Wild West & Circus in 1945 and part of 46. He and his wife Anna worked the elephant Babe on the show. Photos of the act can be seen in categories 101 Wild West Circus. Joe used to drink a little now and again and there were times a little too much before the act. It made no difference, Joe would just stand in one spot leaning on his long cane bull hook while Babe and Anna went though the routine. There were about 7 minutes of tub and spindle tricks along with lay down and setups with Anna’s head and trunk mounts styling and smiling all the while. Then came the final bow. The applause was profound as Anna lead the way from the arena. Babe following and Joe would tip his hat and tail up with Babe. I would like you to know that Joe and Anna Metcalf were two of the finest people I have ever known and I dearly loved them both…….A foot note. I also would like to add that in his younger years Joe Metcalf worked and handled some of the toughest elephants in our business.
Category: 101 Wild West Show & Circus, JACKPOTS |
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Posted By thecircusblog on March 17, 2012
It is hard to say where this photo was taken or on what show. It is an outdoor spot and I am guessing the date to be around 1949. Terrell was known as the “Lion King.”
Category: Cole Bros Circus, Terrell Jacobs Trainer & Circus, The Big Cat Trainers |
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Posted By thecircusblog on March 17, 2012
This is the cover of the 1953 program. The show featured Mr. Mistin, Jr. To be perfectly honest with you, I know absolutely nothing about this act or person. I just happen to own the program cover. Perhaps someone can fill me in.
Category: Ivan's Collection, Ringling Bros----& Barnum, Bailey |
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Posted By thecircusblog on March 17, 2012
This is a window box card used in the front of the theater entrance.
Category: Ivan's Collection |
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Posted By thecircusblog on March 17, 2012
Category: Ivan's Collection |
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Posted By thecircusblog on March 17, 2012
Category: Ivan's Collection |
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Posted By thecircusblog on March 17, 2012
Category: Ivan's Collection |
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Posted By thecircusblog on March 17, 2012
Will Rogers once said………….”I never met a man I didn’t like.” Well I have to say that I have never met a circus person that I didn’t like,…………….. Well maybe one, just haven’t met them yet.
Category: Ivan's Collection |
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Joe Metcalf stands on the left of this photo with Jenny, one of the zoo elephants. Before the Luna Park Zoo was renamed it was called the Selig Zoo. Change of ownership caused the change. Now it is the Los Angeles Zoo. I remember Joe Metcalf so very well from the days of the 101 Ranch Wild West & Circus in 1945 and part of 46. He and his wife Anna worked the elephant Babe on the show. Photos of the act can be seen in categories 101 Wild West Circus. Joe used to drink a little now and again and there were times a little too much before the act. It made no difference, Joe would just stand in one spot leaning on his long cane bull hook while Babe and Anna went though the routine. There were about 7 minutes of tub and spindle tricks along with lay down and setups with Anna’s head and trunk mounts styling and smiling all the while. Then came the final bow. The applause was profound as Anna lead the way from the arena. Babe following and Joe would tip his hat and tail up with Babe. I would like you to know that Joe and Anna Metcalf were two of the finest people I have ever known and I dearly loved them both…….A foot note. I also would like to add that in his younger years Joe Metcalf worked and handled some of the toughest elephants in our business.
