Posted By thecircusblog on April 16, 2012
I have the date but no name. Need some help.
Thank you Mr. Lee for your comment on his name. I just could not remember his name until I read your comment. Then it snapped my memory. Thanks again…………….. IVAN
Deb Carson has a comment and a question, Please read.
Posted By thecircusblog on 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 behave.
Posted By thecircusblog on 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 were nothing more than curved ribs with thin slats, with canvas stretched tight and painted several times to water proof. This of course is where the show money was secured sothe wagon had to be solid… A couple of shot guns certainly helped.
All of the steel hardware was hand forged by the craftsman who built these wagons. Everything was hand made from start to finish. Not all of the circus wagons were built for strength. As a matter of fact, many were pretty flimsy–it all depended on their job use.
Back in the 1950’s at Louis Goebel’s Jungleland compound, he had in storage several old circus wagons. I took the opportunity to investigate all of them inside out. It was a trip back in time and I remember there was still an aroma of the circus lingering within the wagons. I was told many of the old circuses never paid the help or the performers from the ticket wagon. Envelopes with the employee’s name and the agreed upon cash amount was given to them personally on pay day, usually at the cook house.
Posted By thecircusblog on 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.
Posted By thecircusblog on 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 in the boot.
Posted By thecircusblog on 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 that is taking place.
Posted By thecircusblog on 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.
Posted By thecircusblog on 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.
Posted By thecircusblog on April 14, 2012
Another bad negative but I had to post it. This is a 1899 tableau cage wagon. Photo taken in winter quarters 1925.
Posted By thecircusblog on April 14, 2012
I have no date on this photo. It it was probably taken in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s. I only have two photos of this band wagon: this shot and a close up.
John Polacsek made an informative comment. Thank you for your help. IVAN
