World of Mirth Show
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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
5 Responses to “World of Mirth Show”
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Ivan,
I was friendly with a Mr Fred Carrozza of Rhode Island who would have been about 88 years old now.
He was friendly with the owner or manager of the World of Mirth.
The story he told me was such owner told relayed to him the experience of having been once invited by the ruling dictator, General Trujillo, to bring the circus to the Dominican Republic.
When it came time to leave, Trujillo would not let the circus (equipment) leave. Basically, the owner was exhorted into having to pay to get the circus out.
I mention this because my wife is originally from the Domincan, and she just showed me baby pictures of herself in Santo Domingo at an amusement park. That would have been around 1955-1957 or so. Was just wondering if you knew any of this story?
My Aunt Thelma just passed away at the age of 97. She and her husband Clifford Kennedy travelled with World of Mirth Shows in the late 50’s. She had spoke of it ,but going through her old photos, I found some pictures.
The original plan was to create a Coney Island like environment from seven pieces of equipment that the Dominican government was to purchase from WOM. An article in Billboard magazine spells out the agreement. It may have been like most things that one or the other or perhaps both fell out with the terms and hence the seizure,
Billboard May 26 1956
I would like to more of this circus. My grandfather worked with circus in the 40’s through the 50’s. He was a back drop painter and musician. I was hoping that some one might have pictures.
My grandparents were with World of Mirth. My two aunts were young and remember it well and the people etc.. my nana was supposedly an electric lady who could light a lightbulb …..in her mouth- we were told that their was a wire with electricity and she would touch it and the lightbulb would light up…. I would love to know more! Ive heard so many stories growing up!