thecircusblog | August 28, 2008
Through the years they acquired more lions, through breeding, more lions than cages. Grandfather had a friend, Mr. Gay, who had a lion farm in El Monte, CA. Grandfather gave Mr. Gay many lions. The lion farm was on Valley Blvd. near Peck Rd. Today, the lion farm no longer exists as Interstate 10 runs over […]
thecircusblog | August 28, 2008
The Henry lions were exhibition animals in the menagerie and also performing animals. In the early days there was no steel arena. They were brought out into the circus ring on a lunge line to perform their tricks. They never worked as a large group. Later an arena was built only 8 to 12 cats […]
thecircusblog | August 28, 2008
Here is my dear father at the age of six,the date 1916. At this age he was already working he would help in herding the hoof stock over the road.
thecircusblog | August 28, 2008
Young Clifford Henry with his pony “Patt”. Dad is 4 years old in this photo
thecircusblog | August 28, 2008
The tent wagon carried tent polls, stakes, bull cable, pole safties, and side walls. On tear down the tent was dropped to the ground, then unlaced into sections making it easier to roll up. Each roll weighed about 800 to 1000 lbs. The canvas then was loaded onto the wagon. In this photo you can see a […]
thecircusblog | August 28, 2008
The house trailer, also known as a caravan, was built by JE Henry and his sons. It is believed to be the first house trailer ever built. This is where my grandparents lived while they were on the road. It had all the facilities for sleeping, cooking, closets & a safe. The only thing it […]
thecircusblog | August 28, 2008
There were many different trucks on the show…it depended upon the load. He used Model T’s & Macks and converted old Cadillacs into tractors to pull semi-loads. The truck in the picture was converted into a bob tail and pulled a trailer. The two men are Arthur Henry and Max Craig. Max was raised as […]
thecircusblog | August 28, 2008
The Rolling Globe is a family tradition started by Edmund Henry, my great grandfather. Everyone had to learn perform on it, including myself. This picture shows my father and two uncles. From left to right: Glenn, Cliff and Todd behind Cliff. I have in possession the original rolling globe that my father and Todd are […]
thecircusblog | August 28, 2008
“Doubling in Brass”This is the only picture I have of my father and uncles together. From left to right: Cliff, Glenn, Robert, Todd and Arthur Henry. There is a sibling missing…her name was Bertha. As time went on the boys learned how to play as instruments as well as performing in the show. Photo taken in […]
thecircusblog | August 28, 2008
Animal Menagerie played two parts. Before the show people would walk the midway to eat, see the side shows and the animals. These were paid attractions. After the show, the menageire was the animal’s portable home in which they were bedded down for the night. The men who took care of the animals slept in the menagerie as well.
