thecircusblog | October 23, 2011
The exploding chair is one clown gag that I have never seen. I have seen the collapsing chair gag that exploded but not the rocking chair. This very well could be the same thing. Bones was a good inventor and he would change gags to make them just a little different to fit his clown […]
thecircusblog | October 23, 2011
Olive and Glen Hartzell were married in Great Falls, Montana in 1922. Bones was in vaudeville at that time. He and Olive started working as a team when Bones left Vaudeville and joined up with Al G. Barnes. I do remember him talking about other shows that he was with. I am anxious to hear […]
thecircusblog | October 23, 2011
Bones did several acts ….he was a contortionist, acrobat, dancer and he did some foot juggling. His talents were many and he combined them all into his clowning. I believe this photo was taken before his marriage to Olive. Notice how his truck backed up to his tent, which was his home and dressing room. […]
thecircusblog | October 23, 2011
I have noticed that many clowns of years ago had a mood pose that would distinguish them from others. Furthermore it is known that there are no two clown make-ups alike. Some make-ups may look the same but there are definite differences. This is their personal choice. It is a clown’s professional pride to have […]
thecircusblog | October 23, 2011
This is an other photo of the exploding chair. This is a trick that I cannot explain how it works. Hopefully someone in clown alley will comment on it.
thecircusblog | October 23, 2011
Glen Hartzell, the young Vaudevillian in 1917 or 1918. The actual date is unknown when he started in show business. At this time he was living in Covington, Ohio, most likely performing in theaters in that part of the country. As I wrote before he was a versatile entertainer. Here in this photo his routine […]
thecircusblog | October 12, 2011
This lion was renowned big cat trainer, Allen King’s fighting lion. He was featured on the Navy pier at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933. The act was exhibited in the Standard Oil Co show. In 1934 Allen King sold Dillinger to the Lincoln Park Zoo, where he got his name from the keepers at […]
thecircusblog | October 12, 2011
Here again is a group of sideshow performers. I believe this photo was taken in the 1940’s. If you know of Johnnie Howard or anyone else in this photo, please make a comment…. thank you. Jen…….. Thank you for your comment. They are a must read.
thecircusblog | October 12, 2011
This is the last and final photo of the sideshow performers. I will call the granddaughter of Johnnie Howard and let her know that the photos have been posted. Hopefully with your help we can gain some information on her family. Thank you for your help.
thecircusblog | October 10, 2011
Wallace Berry is in awe when Lotus opens wide. The photo was taken in the back yard of the Al. G. Barnes Circus when they were playing Los Angeles. The strap on her upper jaw had a two fold purpose. One was to cue her to open her mouth , the other was to lead […]
