Posted By thecircusblog on September 9, 2012
This photo was taken by the Kalamazoo, Michigan Gazette News, mid 1950’s. Babe was a good, safe elephant and never was a problem. In this photo under Ray’s direction she performs what looks like a very dangerous trick. Babe would place her food just inches from the face of a person. Ray would perform this trick himself if he could not get a volunteer form the audience. Babe was one of the few reliable elephants of her time. Babe was bought and sold numerous times by different circuses. I know the four shows, before Gene Hotler bought her for his show. Babe’s final days were with Gene. Her age got the best of her. To this day I still have fond memories of her from when I was a kid, playing with my Babe, Dutch and Vera in the tall grass on a circus lot long ago.
Category: Gene Holter Wild Animals |
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Posted By thecircusblog on September 9, 2012
A few days ago I got an email from Janice Chandler. She related to me some little stories about her childhood. I enjoy reading them and I thought you might too.
Category: Gene Holter Wild Animals |
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Posted By thecircusblog on September 9, 2012
Category: Gene Holter Wild Animals |
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Posted By thecircusblog on September 9, 2012
After Neil teamed up with Harry “Mop Head” Ross they created a wardrobe look alike, sort of a mini-me. Their make-up was the same but with one exception: Rossie had an off centered nose and wore a dog collar around his neck. This photo was most likely taken on the Ken Jenson Show or Rudy show in the mid 1960’s?
Category: Gene Holter Wild Animals |
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Posted By thecircusblog on September 9, 2012
Neil “Shorty” Chervenak, the last I heard he retired and was living in Oregon. A little known fact: Neil at the age of 15 was hired by Ray Chandler. Ray basically took Neil under his wing and broke him into the business on the Gene Holter Show. Neil learned his skills well from Ray and why not… he had a good teacher.
Category: Gene Holter Wild Animals |
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Posted By thecircusblog on September 9, 2012
This was a publicity shot to promote Chucko’s circus. Wally Ross and baby Marjie were an important part of this promotion. One of the sponsors of the event stands to the right with Marjie. The baby elephant I believe came a from Jungleland? The photo here was shot around 1959 or 1960?
Category: JungleLand Compound |
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Posted By thecircusblog on September 9, 2012
The original painting is of Chucko as seen here has not been located by the Runyon family. Somehow it was lost in the shuffle of life and disappeared. Family and friends are on the hunt for it. The Runyon’s ask if you have seen it or know it’s whereabouts to please contact Randy Runyon at: randyrunyon2@gmail.com
Category: Circus Clowns, Ivan's Collection |
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Posted By thecircusblog on September 9, 2012
Thanks Randy for the great stories and photos.
Category: Circus Clowns, Ivan's Collection |
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Posted By thecircusblog on September 3, 2012
This is a cross section cage animal wagon. Photo taken in 1940.
Take a look at Bob Cline’s comment. He noticed a drop center in this wagon.
Category: Cole Bros Circus |
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