John Robinson Circus

| January 8, 2016

I am always surprised when I receive letters and packages of old photos as well pages that have been torn from books. The greater majority come from people that are not even in the business. The senders write that their father or grandfather had saved them.  I am so greatful that they found the circus blog.  

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John Robinson Circus

| May 24, 2015

I have the original negative in my collection.

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Indian For Rent

| January 27, 2013

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John Robinson Circus #1

| April 14, 2012

This photo was taken July 4th, 1910. Litchfield, Ill. What a grand parade this was and look how close the spectators were. Impossible to do a parade such as this in our time. This is truly a testament to how our society has degenerated. Clearly, back then they were responsible citizens who knew how to […]

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Old John Robinson Circus #2

| April 14, 2012

Old John Robinson ticket wagon, 1899. There was very little carving on this wagon. It was built for strength with vertical tongue and groove exterior. The box frame of 2 and 4 by 4’s, along with heavier timbers on the lower frame and axle suspension. The weakest part of most wagons was the roof. Most […]

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Old John Robinson Circus #3

| April 14, 2012

John Robinson band wagon 1899. This wagon is named The Peacock. But I am not to sure about the name… even though it was written on the negative folder, this wagon looks like a dragon to me.

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Old John Robinson Circus #4

| April 14, 2012

John Robinson steam calliope 1898. You can see the smoke billowing from the boiler stack. On the side of the wagon looks to be a hand carved horn, like a french horn. The size of this wagon can be measured by the two women standing next to it. Vaguely seen is the teamster up front […]

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Old John Robinson Circus #5

| April 14, 2012

This photo was taken in 1925. I don’t know if at that time this circus was called Old John Robinson, or John Robinson. On the negative envelope folders it is spelled both ways. This is set up day. The elephants are still in their work harness and the on-lookers seem to be enjoying the work […]

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John Robinson Circus #6

| April 14, 2012

All right….little girl…..move up. Photo taken in 1925. When I look at this photo I think of Buckles Woodcock and Anna May. Buckles was always soft spoken with her.

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Old John Robinson Circus #7

| April 14, 2012

John Robinson steam calliope, 1923. The negative is so bad I had to put it between two pieces of glass in order to flatten it to make this positive. No matter how bad the photo, it is a beautiful wagon.

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