Posted By thecircusblog on July 3, 2009
The Gil Gray circus cast celebrates our American Liberty. This theme was used in one of their show finales. I thought it would be perfect for the 4th of July. Photo was taken in 1962.
Please read the comment made by Joanne Wilson Pinson.
Posted By thecircusblog on July 3, 2009
An aerial ballet presented by the ladies of the Gil Gray Circus.
Please read comment made by Bill Strong .
Posted By thecircusblog on July 3, 2009
1976 at Legend City in Tempe, AZ. My little elephant never caused me a problem. He would do his act perfectly every show. However, there was one thing that he hated…he would not tolerate me putting a blanket on his back. After weeks of training, patience and bribing he excepted the banner on his back….but only for a little while. I think he did it just to make me happy.
Posted By thecircusblog on July 3, 2009
Shorty was a little bull elephant and I worried about him and the rest of my animals contracting Valley Fever. Maricopa county is noted for this fungus which lives in the upper portion of the soil and when disturbed….it becomes airborn. It causes death in many types of animals. Humans can catch this disease and in some cases it can be fatal. I lost all my chimps to Valley Fever between 1978 and 1979. In the fall of 1979 I sent the rest of my show animals to Circus Suarze where I knew they would be much safer.
Posted By thecircusblog on July 3, 2009
Here is an interesting photo of Mabel Stark and a gentleman which could be Eddie Trees. I do know she married Eddie later in life. I am hoping that someone will make a comment on this photo. This photo had to be taken in the late 1920’s or the early 1930’s.
Posted By thecircusblog on July 3, 2009
I never worked with these folks, but they are circus performers. Maybe they or someone will see this photo and email me some history about them.
Billy Burke on the Gil Gray circus in the mid 1960’s.
