Hubert Castle
Posted By thecircusblog on May 10, 2010
This photo of Hubert was taken in 1946. In Hubert’s earlier years his name was Hal Smith, then Hal Silvers, later changed his name again to Hubert Castle as most know him by today. Hal Smith is his true name, but any good performer needs a strong name and Hubert Castle fit him well. He and my Dad were good friends as Hubert got his start on my Grandfather’s circus in the early 1920’s.
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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
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He registered his show trucks under his legal name, James Albert Hal Smith. Word around the Ringling show was that he was incensed when he got there and learned John Ringling North had named him Hubert Castle. He had been Hal Silvers during the Depression, it was often told, so the Jewish booking agents would keep him working, thinking he was one of their own. Privately, he was an Enid, Oklahoma Baptist, who had once attended a seminary to please an uncle. Becoming a preacher wasn’t his call, and entirely self-taught, he became one of the 3 great legends on the tightwire, on a level with Harold Barnes and Con Colleano.
I use to work for bert icant remember his last name as a elephant helper outside of dallas tx I was wondering if you could tell me his last name it would really please me
it was in the 60s he was the trainer for Hubert castle internationational shrine circus