The Flying Viennas
Posted By thecircusblog on December 4, 2008
Rickie and David Nelson, Babs and Del Graham. In the early 60’s Del trained Rickie as a flyer and David as a catcher. Del did a great job in teaching these young men. Rickie did five tricks and a passing leap with Babs. Everyone in the business was quite surprised that they were so good. In the following year, we did many shows together. Then after a few years, Rick Nelson went on to his singing career. In 1982 I hired Rick and his band to perform at the National Date Festival, Indio, CA.
About the author
thecircusblog
My name is Ivan M. Henry and I am the 4th generation of a circus/show business dynasty. I hope you enjoy the blog.Comments
13 Responses to “The Flying Viennas”
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It’s lovely to come across your blog with so much history recorded here. I am a “new” clown .. just been doing it for 2 years – I’m in India and the concept of clowning here is not as strong or established as it is there. In fact, I’m the first Indian woman to be a clown. I don’t work in a circus, but am a therapeutic clown (I’m also the first India therapeutic clown!) We are a small group now but I hope to spread the concept throughout the country one day .. I believe there is a shortage of clowns on the planet and now, more than ever, the world needs it! Will come back to your blog again to keep reading and learning!
My mother, Fleur, was a member of the Flying Viennas when it was an ‘all girl’ flying act.. I remember Del, Babs, Linda.and Patty (?) I think. It’s been a while.
David & Ricky also had some Circus background in their family. Their mother Harriett Hilliard Nelson’s grandfather was part owner in a circus, “Hilliard & Main”, his partner was the father of Walter L. Main.
Bill thanks for info on the Nelson family, Do you need hard copys of Aida I can send them if so, Have we ever met? and do you know of the Henry family. I am appoveing your comments. Also thanks for the credit on Aida.
My sisters, Rose, Paula, Christe and I were trained by Del in Sylmar with the Flying Viennas “All Girl Flying Act”. in the 70′s. I remember Linda and Patty the most. Patty was the catcher. I’d love to see if anyone has photos of us. We were very young…
Flying Trapeze was amazing…. but I really liked climbing the rope and being twirled while doing poses… all the while thinking… how many other people on earth are doing what I’m doing right now?
Bab’s has been living in her home on the lakeshore in Lake Hughes, Ca for the past 11 years…… She just relocated to Santa Monica, Ca. to be with her Sister Elizabeth this past week. She still takes her long walks every morning. Special lady…….
I am happy to report that I am still on the right side of the terra firma even though I have number “88” coming up July 1st!!!! Still going strong!!!!
Hello Babs,
Wow talking to your neighbor Jim and I told him I flew
On the Trapeze, what a small world it is.
I am so excited about this.
My name at the time was Little Linda I was 15 years old
I lived across the street from you. In Tarzana on Tampa
I came to the house to ask if I could fly on the trapeze
He laughed and asked me if I really meant it.
So he said I could come over and clean the house
For my training. I trained for 6 months before I could fly
But I really wanted to, yes the house was always full of girls
I still have pictures from them.
The first time I got to fly was with David Nelson
He told me if he caught me the first time that he gets
My cherry lol I did not know what he meant
Del says honey we need to have a talk lol
Oh my this is so amazing to me and I was a part of the
Flying Viennas. Wow wow wow I never thought I
Would ever be able to see any one again
If you remember me, I would love to talk to you.
Del called me Little Linda because there was another
Linda wow I’m smiling from ear to ear about this.
SMILE
Dallas
HI, it is so great to see this picture. I was a Flying Vienna in the 70’s, after Del and Patty moved to Oregon. After Del left, Patty and I put an act together that we called the Del Graham’s. I still have some of Del’s old pictures and a piece of his wardrobe.
Babs, I met you too. You came up for a visit one summer. I believe you even did a hocks off on the rigging. You were like a legend to me and the other girls in the act because Del and Patty talked about you so much. I remember that you were very sweet to us girls. Like I said, I have quite a few of Del’s old pictures, even a picture of his chimp, Andy Colleno. I also have one of his fly bars. After Del left, Patty (who is one of my dearest friends) and I bought a rigging from Fred Waugh. I still have it. I have so many memories of the Flying Viennas. It was such an important part of my life.
Bab’s I am the grand daughter of Del Graham. I have enjoyed all the information. Would love to hear more if anyone has more information my Grandmother didn’t talk much about the Circus. My grandmother was Margie Graham. I have wonderful memories of MaMa and PaPa Graham as a small child. I remember visiting Del twice before he disappeared my parents did a search but very little was found as to his disappearance. I have some memorable from their circus days but would love to locate more.
Just saw where Bab’s has passed away on 3/8/2016. Was saddened to har this but If anyone else has information on Del please let me know.
Dad (Johnny Lomax) was a bricklayer with ridiculous upper body strength. Up till he was about 40 or so (early 1960’s) he worked winters with a circus as a ‘catcher’ on the trapeze. We had a trapeze bar, flying rings, & trampoline at the house. This little kid was always in awe of what he could do. ‘Del & Babs’ Graham were, I think, originally from the NE Missouri area, they were full time with the circus, got Dad to come to Florida & California to tour. Met them once in California when I was about 4.