Posted By thecircusblog on February 19, 2009
There was no way you could leave the compound without this program. It was rich with pictures of your favorite movie animals. The trainers and performers were eager to sign their names to it.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 19, 2009
Mel Koontz was featured at the World Jungle Compound. Mel performed each day in a Roman-style arena. When you saw your favorite movie actor fighting a lion or tiger you can bet it is Mel. He doubled for the stars for years and he was the best at what he did. The name of the lion in this picture is Jackie.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 19, 2009
This indeed is a very rare photo taken in 1949 at the World Jungle Compound. Frank Phillips broke in this act, but as you see here, Joe Horwath worked it. As Wally Ross would say, “in all of my any time and put together I’ve never seen this before!” Nor have I. Just look at these beautiful pumas.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 19, 2009
World Jungle Compound 1949. This picture was taken from the inside of the arena looking out into the public seating area. In the far ground can be seen the different concessions. From the looks of the crowd it was a slow day…..well we all know what that’s like.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 19, 2009
This picture was taken 1n 1938, either on the Ringling Bros or Al G. Barnes Floto….when Ringling closed because of a strike. This gave Barns and Floto three big cage acts….Stark, Nelson, and Jacobs. I would like to mention that the Jacobs and the Clifford Henry family have been friends for years. Terrel and Dolly would visit Grandfathers circus whenever they could. Judy Jacobs and Ivan Henry used to sleep in the same bed together when we were only two years old. Judy and I to this day are best of friends.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 19, 2009
Henry Tyndall was at the World Jungle Compound for years. He was their head chimp trainer. This picture was taken on location, a Tarzan movie starring Johnny Weissmuller. The name of the movie was ” Jungle Man Eaters.” The chimp in this picture was “Tamba”. Henry was known for his extraordinary ability to work and train chimps for motion pictures. Henry Tyndall was a Native American from the Cherokee Nation. The native American people have and still play a very important part in the American Circus as well as motion pictures.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 19, 2009
From left to right, Rex Young, Jimmy Armstrong and Lee Marx. Jimmy Armstrong worked for me at Legend City Amusement Park, from 1976 to 1977. He did a fine job clowning. Thank you Bill Strong for the info
Posted By thecircusblog on February 16, 2009
Gargantua…1929-1949. Dick Kroenel raised “Buddy” as he was originally named by Mr. and Mrs. Lintz. He was featured for several years on Ringling Bros. Circus as the largest gorilla ever in captivity. Gargantua died in November 1949 of double pneumonia and also of a skin disease and bad wisdom teeth
Posted By thecircusblog on February 15, 2009
Tahar was in the all new 118th edition of Ringling Bros, Barnum & Bailey Circus.
