Posted By thecircusblog on September 18, 2011
Clyde Beatty with his long time friend Pat O’Brian. Also in the photo is Jane Beatty. This photo was taken in 1954, Close by is Beatty’s home on wheels while on tour. Of course we are all familiar with that, aren’t we?
Posted By thecircusblog on September 18, 2011
A program cover from 1938. Ken Maynard, a cowboy movie star was featured on the show during this time. It was very common for many of the larger circuses to have Western celebrities as an extra draw. The next post will be of Ken Maynard…….. I want to thank Jackie Knupp for the program cover.
Posted By thecircusblog on September 18, 2011
Ken Maynard was featured on the Cole Bros Circus in 1936 or 1937…… it may have been both seasons?
Posted By thecircusblog on September 18, 2011
A photo from the Bill Capell collection. Again there is no information on this performer. I am sure that this photo along with hundreds of others were sent to the Capell circus for their consideration. Doc did hire many performers from south of the border. His reason was that they were good and did more than just one act. There is no name or country associated with this performer. The photo does date back to the 1950’s.
Posted By thecircusblog on September 18, 2011
He is not only a fine performer but also an inventor. I find it amazing how circus performers are constantly inventing new tricks like taking an old trick and giving it a new and different look with their own personal touch.
Posted By thecircusblog on September 18, 2011
The one and only “Bring-um back Alive” Frank Buck! This is a great photo of him. I have another of him and John Ringling North. It is said that they were the best of friends. The photo of both can be found in some of the circus blog categories.
Posted By thecircusblog on September 18, 2011
This trick is known as block building …while you are balancing in a hand stand. The name of the act is unknown to me.
Posted By thecircusblog on September 18, 2011
Billy performing for some publicity shots. Doc Capell’s, Capell Bros Circus early 1940’s. This photo had to be taken in the mid-west. Doc did not come west until the late 40’s to a town called Coolidge, in Arizona. There the Capell family made their home and their winter quarters for over forty years.
Posted By thecircusblog on September 18, 2011
This photo was taken inside the big top of the Doc Capell Circus.
Posted By thecircusblog on September 18, 2011
At the time of this photo the Eriksons were living in Tampa. Fla. according to the notes on the back of this photo.
