May Kovar
Posted By thecircusblog on October 22, 2010
Ringling Bros Barnum and Baily Circus 1942. May Kovar working leopards and black panthers for Alfred Court. She was Alfred’s only female trainer. In this photo she is performing in ring number one. There were others in Alfred Court’s stable of trainers Damoo Ohotre, Joe Walch and Fritz Schultz to name a few. May Kovar’s daughter May and granddaughter Jackie live in Kentucky and are doing fine. Jackie is now co- writing a book on her grandmother’s life as a wild animal trainer. May Kovar senior began her career in her homeland England and later came to the U.S. I am hoping that her daughter May and Jackie will make a few comments.
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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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May Kovar did some Shrine dates in 1942 – I am thinking this was a Shrine Date done for Willie Storey (Alfred Court’s Nephew). Mainly because this is an out door shot and at the time (if this was indeed taken in 1942) RBBB was still under canvas.
May had another daughter Sandra. She was 3 when her Mother died. My Grandparents adopted her after May was killed.
I have 2 photos of May senior’s daughter, May that I would like to share with you working leopards if you tell me how to send them. I met her and her children while living in Acton, CA in the 1970s, and a little story to go with it. We are still in touch.