Max and Gertie Craig

Posted By on February 23, 2009

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Max and Greti were considered part of the  Henry family. We were very close knit and  shared in food and in hard times even money. I called him Uncle Max, that’s what he wanted. I remember him with his deep voice telling me about himself and the rest of my Uncles …….some pretty good stuff. I will cut it up with you later in the book I am writing  called “Sleeping with the Elephants.”

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May All Eyes Be Upon The Steel Arena

Posted By on February 21, 2009

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World Jungle Compound proudly presents Pat Anthony. I posted this picture of Pat for my new friend Wade Burk. In the bottom right corner very faintly can be seen ” Best wishes Pat Anthony.” After the performance Pat autographed photos and gave them to the audience as everyone wanted his  autograph. All I can say is you were one fine performer and trainer. Photo taken late 40’s early 50’s…… See comment below by Wade Burck.

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Peggy MacDonald

Posted By on February 20, 2009

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Peggy MacDonald with Baby Kae.  No finer lady ever graced the sawdust arena than Peggy. This photo was taken in 1962.Peggy was born in Glenwood, Minnesota.  1923-2008  Her husband, Mac MacDonald set the example for all elephant trainers after him.

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Keller Killers

Posted By on February 20, 2009

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 This picture of Bill Horn was taken at Jungleland World Jungle Compound in the late 50’s.

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Kellers Killers

Posted By on February 20, 2009

Seen here is Bill Horn at Jungleland as we called it but many called it the World Jungle Compound. This Leopard is doing a plank walk, not to be confused with Photobucketthe wire walk which is two cables side by side. Thank you Jackie Kunpp for photos.

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Glen Henry

Posted By on February 20, 2009

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My uncle Glen was a master on the rolling globe as were all of the Henry family. It was one of first act we learned as children. Deeper into this circusblog under the J.E .Henry category, there are photos of the young Henry boys. In this picture Glen is spinning three ropes. This trick looks easy but it is very difficult. If you look at the picture, you will notice that he is spinning a rope in his teeth. You can lose your equilibrium doing this very easily as you must turn your head in a circular motion to spin the rope. Photo supplied Bill Strong. Thanks.

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Zoeanna’s High Jump

Posted By on February 20, 2009

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 Zoeanna Henry is seen hurdling. What makes this trick so difficult is keeping the timing of the horses together in the jump. Your legs basically act as shock absorbers independently moving for balance.

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Zoeanna Henry

Posted By on February 20, 2009

zoeannahenry

This is Zoeanna Henry displaying her skill at Roman riding. Roman riding is done on two horses in a standing position. It is tremendously difficult especially when doing hurdling or tricks. Thank you Margaret for the comment……………….Notice Zoeanna is hands free, Now that’s some riding.

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Gary Henry

Posted By on February 20, 2009

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This photo was taken in 1974 on Lewis Bros Circus. Gary’s act was a comedy mule. I never saw the act but  knowing Gary’s sense of humor, it had to be a good act and filled with funny stuff. Photo supplied by Bill Strong.

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World Jungle Compound Entrance

Posted By on February 19, 2009

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It seems like it was just yesterday when Dad & I performed there….. its all gone now, but for the  memories. We wintered Pan American Shows a block away, also Jungle Land Circus. Some of the finest wild animal trainers got their brake at this place. I can’t begin to tell you how many motion pictures were shot at the compound. This photo was taken in 1950 in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Enjoy the photos that follow. Notice above the word World you can see Trader Horne’s name and above the word Compound you find the name of Billy Richards of Al G. Barnes. There was only one thing I did not like about the front entrance. The elephants did not have their trunks up.

A very informative comment was made by Nita Jacobson Chewning.

Thank you.

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