Allen’s Bears
Posted By thecircusblog on August 18, 2011
Charley Allen was old circus through and through. He, his wife, Mert, and their daughter, Kay, had a fine act and they were a great family.
Remember the TV series Gentle Ben in the mid 1960’s? One of Charley’s bears was Ben. At the time of this photo, the Allens were in Ohio. Later they moved to California to a small town called Pixley, about 35 miles north of Bakersfield. Their home was close to the freeway I-10, close enough that when you were passing by going north, the horn blowing and waving would start – of course, this was only if there was no time to stop and visit.
You are right Casey her name was Beverly but I think her nick name was Mert?……….. 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
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I thought Charley’s wife’s name was Beverley. Between Ohio and Pixley they wintered in Segoville Tx. They hired me to help train Zulu the zebra Charley had bought to put in the bear act. I was a young Cowboy just out of high school and let me tell you he was one tough animal to handle. Charley wanted him to kick footballs but ended up kicking large rubber balls. Charley caught a few that knocked him off his feet a few times. You are right they were good people !!
..I remember visiting with the Allen’s in Pixley..
Casey, you might be right. For some reason, I seem to remember her as Mert. If anyone knows for sure, please post here so I can be sure I have the correct name under the picture.