Clifford and Mary Henry
Posted By thecircusblog on July 18, 2017
In the early 1940’s my Mom and Dad did 5 acts in what ever show they were on. Henry Bros, Yankee Patterson, Arthur Bros and the 101 Wild West show and circus. Dad did comedy Trapeze, Flying Rings & Rolling Globe with Mom along with Mom’s Dog Act, Swinging, Ladder, Web and elephants when needed for the show. The purpose of doing many acts was for more money. In those days you would average $25.00 per week per act. The most important thing was the cookhouse for your total family. Your deal with the circus cook house was always included.
I’ll explain the cookhouse for those not familiar with circus life. All major and some small circuses carried free food prepared in a large tent, or semi trailer. There was a separate place for the working crew and the performers. In some cases performers would rather prepare there own food. The working crew and non-performers. were given food and found,….sleeping quarters…… and a small salary per week, as well tips form the performers. Actually they were quite happy with this arrangement. I think the idea of having a cookhouse came from the cattle ranch era. Cowboys got there food and a bunkhouse pulse a dollar a day. In recent years when I was still in the business, most cookhouses were no longer in use. It became a joke when you would negotiate for your salary, then ask for cookhouse. I do remember that Sid Kellener would feed his tent crew on set up day…………. Did not have too, he was just a nice guy.
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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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Big Bob Stevens, Bailey Bros, had a great Cookhouse. The were open every morning early for the canvas men. Having a trailer in the backyard, and before “Generally Useful” contracts we seldom went to the cookhousr for breakfast. But I made it before the flag went down especially on the day they served pancakes! Have never tasted any as good since. Flags went up for lunch and dinner, and we always made those. Had to be finished before Skinney Goe blew “half hour” warning.
We had a great cookhouse on GLC, mostly feeding the working men and the clowns. The cook’s name was Lee Mister. I remember one time he got a good deal on whole hominy and we had that for supper for way too long! I’ll send a picture. There was also a tiny cookhouse on the Famous Hunt Circus when I clowned for them – 1977/78.