Ray Chandler
Posted By thecircusblog on September 14, 2011
I consider myself very lucky to have found this publicity photo of Ray Chandler’s elephant act with his wife presenting Princess. The center of the photo had been stained with ink. I got most of it out, but still a little blue remains.
The Chandlers were from the old school of circus. There was never a time you couldn’t depend on him, no matter the circumstances. Ray was noted for his fine training abilities, He worked in every facet of our business and never left a job undone.
I first met Ray and his family at Louie Goebel’s Jungleland in Thousand Oaks, Calif. in the mid 1950’s. Throughout the 50’s and 60’s, we worked numerous show together, and I always looked forward in having conversations with him concerning animals.
There were some funny jackpots, especially when he would talk about the movie he worked in handling the camels. The movie’s name is Humps. He said what happened behind the camera was funnier than the movie itself.
He is gone now, but the memories lives on in the minds of those who knew and loved this fine man. The daughter Janice lives in the southeastern part of Arizona. Once in a while, we get to talk about old times at Jungleland.
I just spoke with Janice today, 5/24/ 12. She told me that the photos in this composite were shot on the Capell Bros Circus, in the very early 1960’s.
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
4 Responses to “Ray Chandler”
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Thank You, Ivan Mom Turned 90 Last Month. She is doing Well. Happy Easter
That’s awesome Ivan, Ray and Thelma were my grandparents, and I have fond memories of all the stories they shared. Thanks for including this on your blog.
Great poster. Thanks for sharing. Ray was my cousin. His father was my father’s half-brother. I remember visiting them at Jungleland.
Ray was a great trainer and knew how to get the job done, whatever it may be. When I first saw this publicity shot I flashed back to the simple but timely design of the layout.If I am not mistaken I remember when it was done and I tried to copy the style. As with most great things there is nothing like the original. Without a doubt Ray was all of that. In todays venacular he would be called an OG, he was definately a Master of his trade. Once again Ivan, Thanks for the Memories. And Thanks to the Chandler Family for their wonderful comments.