Posted By thecircusblog on October 23, 2011
Bones did several acts ….he was a contortionist, acrobat, dancer and he did some foot juggling. His talents were many and he combined them all into his clowning. I believe this photo was taken before his marriage to Olive. Notice how his truck backed up to his tent, which was his home and dressing room. The circus is unknown to me. The trick that Bones is doing I have only seen once or twice before but the performer that did this trick dad shoes were long similar to the length here. There is a name for this gag but it escapes me now.
Category: Circus Clowns, Ivan's Collection |
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Posted By thecircusblog on October 23, 2011
I have noticed that many clowns of years ago had a mood pose that would distinguish them from others. Furthermore it is known that there are no two clown make-ups alike. Some make-ups may look the same but there are definite differences. This is their personal choice. It is a clown’s professional pride to have his own make up design. I think in many ways the clown tells a story about him or herself. The make up can be sad, funny, happy or flamboyant. More often than not it is a reflection of themselves. Here the young Glen “Bones” Hartzell is counting something on his fingers but it’s for you to interpret. There is always a deliberate still moment where they will stare, gaze off or hesitate. It is done, I think to catch your eye and grab your attention………. I have wondered if they even know what they are doing or if it is natural.
Maybe it’s about what you are seeing and feeling in your thoughts. That’s what it is all about, “The theater of the mind”….The Clown.
Category: Circus Clowns, Ivan's Collection |
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Posted By thecircusblog on October 23, 2011
This is an other photo of the exploding chair. This is a trick that I cannot explain how it works. Hopefully someone in clown alley will comment on it.
Category: Al G. Barnes CIRCUS, Circus Clowns, Ivan's Collection |
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Posted By thecircusblog on October 23, 2011
Glen Hartzell, the young Vaudevillian in 1917 or 1918. The actual date is unknown when he started in show business. At this time he was living in Covington, Ohio, most likely performing in theaters in that part of the country. As I wrote before he was a versatile entertainer. Here in this photo his routine was song, dance and some comedy. My acquaintance with him was in the early 1950’s on the Siebrand Bros Circus & Carnival where he had his Octopus show. I was a teenager at that time but I enjoyed visiting with him and his daughter Glenna at our house trailer. They became good friends with my family although Dad knew Bones from previous years. It was informative and a lot of fun asking questions about how Bones got his start in show business. He would speak of his vaudeville days and the different circuses that he had worked with, such as Daily Bros, Hagenbeck, Sells Floto, Al G. Barnes, John Robinson and Ringling Bros Barnum & Baily.
Category: Ivan's Collection |
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Posted By thecircusblog on October 12, 2011
This lion was renowned big cat trainer, Allen King’s fighting lion. He was featured on the Navy pier at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933. The act was exhibited in the Standard Oil Co show. In 1934 Allen King sold Dillinger to the Lincoln Park Zoo, where he got his name from the keepers at the zoo. Dillinger proved to be savage and too unruly for the King’s act and continued his disposition at the Lincoln Park Zoo. He would eat 12 to 15 lbs of horse meat a day, except Mondays which was a fast day for big cats at the zoo. He was 27 years old when he died at the zoo in 1952.
Category: Ivan's Collection, Sells Floto Circus |
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Tags: Allen King, Chicago World's Fair, Dillinger, Lincoln Park Zoo, Standard Oil Co
Posted By thecircusblog on October 12, 2011
This photo was taken many years ago. This is the back area of the lion and tiger cages at the Jungleland compound. Dick along with the rest of the cat trainers were constantly cleaning out the cages. So you see there is much more to it than cracking a whip and taking a bow. At any one time there were 75 to 100 different species of big cats at the compound.
Category: JungleLand Compound |
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Posted By thecircusblog on October 12, 2011
Dick McGraw stands in front of one of Mable Starks tigers at the Jungleland compound.
Category: JungleLand Compound |
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Posted By thecircusblog on October 12, 2011
Not to long ago I received some old sideshow photos. The above is one of them. The person that sent them is in hopes that someone may recognize some of the people . Her grandfather is Johnnie Howard and she would like to gather some information if possible. He could be the owner of a sideshow or a member of it. Need your help.
READ……. comments from Carol Philips.
Also…… an interesting comment made by John Howard.
Another comment from Virginia Chase.
Category: Circus & Carnival Side Shows |
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Posted By thecircusblog on October 12, 2011
Here again is a group of sideshow performers. I believe this photo was taken in the 1940’s. If you know of Johnnie Howard or anyone else in this photo, please make a comment…. thank you.
Jen…….. Thank you for your comment. They are a must read.
Category: Circus & Carnival Side Shows, Ivan's Collection |
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Posted By thecircusblog on October 12, 2011
This is the last and final photo of the sideshow performers. I will call the granddaughter of Johnnie Howard and let her know that the photos have been posted. Hopefully with your help we can gain some information on her family. Thank you for your help.
Category: Circus & Carnival Side Shows, Ivan's Collection |
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Bones did several acts ….he was a contortionist, acrobat, dancer and he did some foot juggling. His talents were many and he combined them all into his clowning. I believe this photo was taken before his marriage to Olive. Notice how his truck backed up to his tent, which was his home and dressing room. The circus is unknown to me. The trick that Bones is doing I have only seen once or twice before but the performer that did this trick dad shoes were long similar to the length here. There is a name for this gag but it escapes me now.
