Posted By thecircusblog on April 25, 2011
These three girls are the daughters of George and Ruby Stevens. Their family operated a “Mitt Cam aka fortune tellers or psychics on the Siebrand midway and did so for many seasons. They were some of the kindest family I have ever known. From left to right Diane Sophia and Tina if I remember correctly. The entire family consisted of about 12 or 14 people and they traveled in four caravans. Photo early 1950’s.
Posted By thecircusblog on April 25, 2011
Each semi had two 16 toot neon towers and a front sign with lights that traveled. On each end of the semi were ten foot wings that folded out facing the midway describing the show or event. These semis encompassed the entire carnival…… a side wall of steel. The purpose of this was a 25 cent admission fee to enter the carnival…………… No one ever complained about the fee…………. At night the show sparkled like a jewel.
Posted By thecircusblog on April 25, 2011
On the bally platform with the microphone is Norman Prather and to his right is Norma, his wife. The other ladies are unknown to me. This was the “Girl Show”, Carnival Burlesque, but very little clothing was ever taken off. The bally platform front and panels along with the gay 90’s sign all fold up. It’s actually a 30 foot semi that hauls all or part of a ride. When the ride was unloaded from the semi it was put in the outside midway line up. There must have been 15 to 20 different shows that were presented in this fashion. On the off side of the semi was attached a 20 by 20 two push pole canvas top. Within the tent a high stage folded out from the semi for the dancers. In the empty cargo area it became a dressing room. There were no seats, it was a standing audience. The show itself did not last too long. It was a grand , get em in ..get em out. The Lady on the left is Paula Paul a female impersonator……….but not to be reckoned with. In 1954 we were playing a town that was very rough and tough. During a bally at the girl show four guys in the tip got out of line and though something at the dancers, hitting one of them in the face. Paula jumped off the stage and within seconds all four were down and out cold. Back on the bally stage she returned with I might add a round of applause from the spectators……….. This not here say….I was there and happened to see it all. Siebrand Bros Circus and carnival.
Posted By thecircusblog on April 23, 2011
This photo came from the Norman Prather collection. It was sent to me along with other pictures by his daughter Norma. It is quite possible that this mummified person is the real thing. Carnival and circus side shows in years past did exhibit animals and humans that were actual mummies. In later years it was outlawed and only a medical institution or museum could place them on exhibition. I do know for a fact that Pete Cortez had two mummies in his ten in one side show. A child from Mongolia and the other a South American Indian was displayed in the very back of show. Even then in the 1950’s, He was very careful where he displayed them. Mr. Cortez would only show them in certain towns where they would not be confiscated and in a private showing only……….. Much like an after show. Of course there was a charge.
Please read the comment that come in today. 10-26-13.
Posted By thecircusblog on April 23, 2011
All of Show Biz was in the Billboard years ago. Today, it’s new name is “Amusement Business.”
Posted By thecircusblog on April 23, 2011
Norman Parther calls in the tip for the girl show. The third girl in from the left is Barbara Ann, a female impersonator…… Siebrand Bros Circus & Carnival early 1950’s.
Posted By thecircusblog on April 23, 2011
Norman did it all… I guess you had to in those days. Here he is making neon tubes for all the light towers and signage on the show. This in itself was a full time job. His shop was an 8 foot wide by 27 foot long semi also used for part of the front gate of the show. Norman literally made thousands of different colored neon tubes but he always had time to make a glass figure for the kids on the show. Early 1950’s.
Posted By thecircusblog on April 22, 2011
This is Barbara Ann. She was a dancer in”Kooch” or the burlesque show on the Siebrand midway. Barb was a Female impersonator.
