The Pina Troupe
Posted By thecircusblog on October 13, 2009
This is another act I have no information about other than their names. Help me out if you can.
Thank you…. Carol Philips for your comment on the Pina Troupe.
Also a comment by Penny Wilson.
Francisco, Thanks for your comment.
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thecircusblog
My name is Ivan M. Henry and I am the 4th generation of a circus/show business dynasty. I hope you enjoy the blog.Comments
9 Responses to “The Pina Troupe”
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REGARDING THE PINA FAMILY – I really cannot tell you much about them, but my father-in-lw, Philip Bonta, often spoke of them. I think he and his brother Benny trouped with the Pina’s in Mexico and South America on circuses. The Pina family then came to California and I believe they became pretty active in working in the movie industry, doing much of the acrobatic work in movies then, before the stunt performers really came into force. I believe some of them were still living in California in the 1970’s and 80’s.
I am not famliar with the act, but I believe that is Dorothy (Concha Ericksons daughter) who married one of them then later divorced Eventualy marring Bobby Yerkes
Penny
I am the Grandson of Francisco Pina Rene alex Pina in the 70s the familly lived throught the los Angeles area Abel Frank Tony and sister Anita “olvera” resided close to one another in 1980 frank pina moved to imperial beach california durring the late 70s my grandfather could still work the rings at the local park and was so muscular he shared many stories of circus days with me as a boy during the mid 80s abel and anita passed away.
in 1996 Frank pina passed away there are no more pina’s from that generation Ofelia Pina franks wife passed 2 years ago on mothers day they are survived by his daughter Norma granson nephews and extended familly. they were regarded as teeter board expert…and did perform in movies such as dorthy lamours a man about town.
I’m the son Abel Pina. My Father passed away in october 1984. He spoke often about the circus and there teeter board performances. They were known as “The Circus People” in East Los Angeles on 1st and Marianna where they would practice. They all were required to leave school at a early age to help support the family business of performing on the teeter board. Only time they didnt perform was to serve in WWII. My father Abel was extremely physically strong and as well as a good father and supporter to our family. The Abel Pina still live in the Monterey Park area today. To all The Pina’s out there I hope you remember these men with great honor to help make a better life for all of us.
I have this picture posted on my living room. Henry Pina is my boyfriend grandpa. My father in law gave me a lil history of his fathers circus life. So now, i just seen this blog. And seeing everyone talk about the history behind this picture, its so interesting. Thanks everyone. Im still in search of more pictures, wish me luck.
Hi Francisco & Jasmin. Henry Pina is my great-uncle by marriage. His wife, Anita, was my grandfather’s sister. We always knew about the circus background but no details or pictures. If there’s anything you could share, that would be awesome. We’re in the LA area and have always wanted to know more as we’re connecting the links on Ancestry.com. Thanks!
I am the daughter of Abel Pina. Margaret Pina. We grew up in Monterey Park and our dad told us many stories of his circus days
He also taught us many somersaultricks. He was very close to his sister Anita.I which at that time lived in Montebello Ca. My father passed way I1984.I have few pictures of the circus time even found so.e on ebay. If anyone has any more stories to share I would love to hear them. If anyone gets a chance to see the movie who done it with abott and Costello there in it.
I am the grandson of Abel Pina. He was a good grandfather from the time I knew him from 77-84. He was a honest respectable man. Too bad I cannot say the same for one of his sons who lied about his income and real estate properties to get out of paying more child support to his first born. Totally disgraceful and unforgivable.
I would like to comment on Joshua Pina comment. Your grandfather Abel Pina loved you more than anything. I remember when you were a small chd you were very close to him. Your father also loves you very much as well. Joshua you o ly know one side . You dont know the whole truth. Theres more to the story than you think. Your dad is a good man that loves all his children You never gave him a chance. If you want to know the truth contact him. You k ow how.GROW UP. Your a man now not a boy. Get the facts before you co dem him. By the way he paid his child suppory for 18years
Whats a disgrace and unforgiveable is whoever made up those lies never got over your dad.. Like I said get the facts the true facts. I eould tell ypu myself but you don’t want to hear the real truth.