Jungleland Tiger Wagon #2
Posted By thecircusblog on December 3, 2012
Ray expanded the frame, fish plated it, and strengthened it with steel round bar. The wagon remained a tow bar. New wheels were mounted, the paint and art work was also Ray’s. The photo was taken at the front of Jungleland’s small barn. Not far to the left was Mr Goebel’s home, to the right the big barn and Jungleland itself.
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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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When I arrived at Jungleland, in ’65, this wagon was behind the Long String, against the back fence, and in front of the Slaughterhouse. It contained 15 lionesses which I took care of. The wagon was built in 1940 by Benny Bennett and Earl LeGrand. It was designed to be backed up to the arena. The animal gate section was situated higher to correspond to the door at the business end of the wagon. The lions jumped down into the arena for the act, and at the finish, leapt back up through the door to go home. For action shots of this wagon, look up the 1948 film, CAGED FURY, starring Richard Denning. Bennett doubled for Denning in the lion act sequences. Denning was a blond actor, and Bennett had to wear a wig for the camera. For lunch one day, he went home and was fixing a sandwich in his kitchen. His wife, Ora, came in and almost brained him with a frying pan until she recognized her husband in wig and makeup. I hope this wagon survives. Anyone with current photos, please post them here at Ivan’s Circus Blog.