Mary Jo Knolls 1963
Posted By thecircusblog on May 1, 2011
These photos were taken just before show time in San Diego, Calif. The circus was Ted Dewayne.
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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
7 Responses to “Mary Jo Knolls 1963”
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Hi Mary Jo…great to see you from many years ago…I look back at the sixties on the Ted Dewayne Circus as this Hollywood Circus that was small enough that all the performers could be “seen and heard” . It was the theatrical training I used on most of the shows and productions that I have staged since then. Ben Mires was such a great comic influence and great clown on Teds show. Nolly Tate and a barrel of ooot beer. Russ Saunders a great acrobatic tumbler who did doubles on the ground and with Ted produced formidable teterboard and risley acts. Paula and I were the topmounters. Bill and Faye Snyder what great performers. Ivan appeared in these shows many times. What good fun. I will send more pics.
Hi, Darryl! Those were good years, weren’t they? I have pictures around here somewhere of you holding your little niece on the back lot. She was standing in your hand and you had your arm stretched way up above your head. She was probably about a year old, if even that.
One of my fondest memories – the Dewayne Bros. show was in Lancaster on my 21st birthday. That evening, when I got off the wire after my performance, the house lights were dimmed, the music switched to “Happy Birthday”, and the crowd sang along as you guys came out with a cake, complete with lighted candles. Not everyone can say THAT was how they spent their 21st birthday!
Whatever happened to Ben? I found some pictures tonight of the “gorilla” act he did with my mom acting as the hapless circus fan in the audience – with the breakaway skirt. Hilarious.
Ivan has done a good thing here “reuniting” us all through the magic of modern technology. Look forward to seeing the pictures you’re going to send.
I want everyone to know that I knew Mary Jo back when she was known to others as the youngest tight-rope walker in the world, but to me and my brothers, she was a princess. Yes, she was pretty and was so very sweet. I really can remember those days! Mary Jo had a practice rope set up in her back yard and my brothers loved to ride her unicycle. Mary Jo had the disposition then of an angel. She looked like and angel too. I love those memories of Mary Jo and her loving parents!
Mary Jo, I am delighted that you have finally revealed the amazing princess that I knew you were. I WANT TO SEE MORE!
Mary Jo, I love these photos. How fun:-)
These are amazing photos! Thanks for sharing them! Are the more?
The good old times love forever Jimmy