Siebrand Bros Circus & Carnival 1947 Family
Posted By thecircusblog on November 15, 2010
The Stevens were a gypsy family on the show and had a mitt camp or palm reader, a large tent that was colorful and inviting with two or four beautiful ladies standing in front asking if you would like your fortune told. Most of the time women were their customers, but now and then there were a men that wanted their fortune told and a few other things. That’s why Mama Stevens was in the back of the tent behind a drape with a baseball bat. Once in a while you would see a man leaving the midway holding their head. St George Day was and still is a very special day in the life’s of gypsies and a great feast is had by the entire family. The celebration goes on all day and many from the show were invited. The food and barbecued lamb took many hours to prepare. The lamb could not be purchased…it had to be “acquired”. After all was ready the lamb was adorned with gold and silver to admire and pay homage to St George. Then it was time to eat and enjoy. An event such as this you will never forget as it is lavished with dishes and fine silverware and the tables are draped with fine linen. The festival area was surrounded by their caravans. Yes, a true Gypsy camp. If you are ever invited to a Gypsy feast ……….GO.
About the author
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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George Stevens was my god-father. I was “baptized” by the Stevens when I was just a few weeks old, they pierced my ears at the same time. I was given the name of Dado and my family still calls me Dado to this day. I will always cherish the memories of the feasts and the gypsy customs that I was taught. Being a god-daughter when the feast started I was fed first and the women/girls of the family would dance, after I ate the men ate, then the other women and children. I always respected their ways while in their presence and wish I would have been more attentive to their language as Dino and Dado Stevens tried to teach it to me.
Ivan, I will scan in pictures of the Stevens and send them to you.