Learning The Ropes

| September 30, 2008

Mom and I doing a two together while spinning a rope.This photo was taken at our home in El Monte, Calif. 1950. At the old age of eleven. I was put in to act doing simple tricks around the age of seven. Each year I would be taught more tricks on the Globe,until I did a complete act.

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Cowboy Tricks

| September 30, 2008

I did a whole routine of spinning ropes on the globe. I learned from my father, Cliff and my uncle, Glen Henry. My uncle was fantastic with ropes. I also pick up a few tricks from Frank Dean a true cowboy and Jack Wright when I was much younger.

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Ivan Doing Contortion Hoops

| September 30, 2008

Two hoops crossed though each other forming a small hole that I had to pass through. I didn’t like this trick either. Many was the time I would get stuck and Dad would have to lift me off the globe. There was always a laugh or two from the audience when my father would take his […]

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Practicing the Two High

| September 30, 2008

This was not my favorite trick. It was very difficult and scary. One high on a rolling globe is not easy. As time went on I became more confident in the trick, After it was mastered I began juggled clubs while standingon my Dads shoulders.

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Ivan is Ready For The Stage

| September 30, 2008

Ivan M. Henry, 1950… the sixth generation of a circus family was ready to perform. We lived in El Monte, Calif. Where there were many other show folks. El Monte was convenient and was very friendly toward show people. Our home was not to far from the rest of the Henry’s and we were always getting together as […]

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Serpentine

| September 30, 2008

While the J.E. Henry’s circus was in winter quarters, Mom and Dad would leave and do Christmas shows and USO shows for the military. Many shows were performed on the bases between San Diego and San Francisco. After the New Year, They went back to winter quarters to get ready for the next season.

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The Teeter Board

| September 30, 2008

 Cliff and Mary Henry performing at the Paris Inn, San Diego, CA. The width of the teeter board was 6″.

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It’s Not Easy

| September 30, 2008

Jumping rope on the Globe is very difficult. You can only jump so high,  just enough to pass the  rope between the ball and your feet.

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Mary Henry Spinning Plates

| September 30, 2008

This photo was taken at The Paris Inn Night Club where USO shows were put on for the Military in San Diego, CA … 1940s.

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Holt Henry

| September 30, 2008

Las Vegas, NV.   Band leader and a great trumpet player, 1945. Holt Henry worked for Bugsy Siegel at the Flamingo Hotel.

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