Posted By thecircusblog on November 19, 2016
They came from all over. Dancing thoughout the day and into the evening. Much to my surprise there was a younger crowd there also. Their children rode the rides while their parents and grandparents danced the day away.
Posted By thecircusblog on November 19, 2016
The day faded into evening and then into the night. Lights came on and they danced and danced…..where they got the energy I will never know. There were those that did go out into the park, I guess to get their second wind, and a bite to eat. A fun time for everyone.
Posted By thecircusblog on November 19, 2016
I was very happy that I was able to bring back some old and good memories to the people of Altoona, PA.
Posted By thecircusblog on October 31, 2016
When I was managing Lakemont Park in 1988, I came across a singer who at first appearance did not impress me, but after his audition his country voice literally dumfounded me. He was as good as any country singer I have ever heard. I asked myself how could this be. The late Lenny Gault came from a small town just north of Altoona and just enjoyed singing his God given gift. Of course I hired him. Photo taken at the Casino Lakemont Parke.
Posted By thecircusblog on October 31, 2016
Thompson Amusement Park it’s name before it became Lakemont Park. Although I believe that Thompson Bros supplied the rides only and that Lakemont Park may have been built by the city of Altoona, P.A. The park itself is over one hundred years old and carries a tremendous amount of history. The photo above are of four cousins of the Thompson family. As for what is written on the back of this photo.
Posted By thecircusblog on October 31, 2016
1950,s Thompson Bros were at Lakemont Park, Altoona, Pa. In this photo bull plates being unloaded. The bull plats or plate forms are what the Tilt A Whirl tubes ride on. Each tube has two wheels which ride on a circular track. The Tilt A Whirl to this day is still a favored ride at amusement parks and carnivals.
Sunday May 13- 2018. I just got a comment from James Logan of Altoona, PA. It’s a must read that concerns Lakemont Park. Thanks James.
Posted By thecircusblog on October 29, 2016
![image1[1]](http://www.thecircusblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/image11.jpeg)
George Mathews, Great London Circus 1974. As seen here in this ad, Sid Kellner needed help. He had booked a petty good season and was ready to start out on his tour but as luck would have it, there was no help. Sid had all of his performers, which almost included us with the chimp act, but we were already booked 1974. We did make a deal for the season of 1975………… Sid was one of a kind.
The ad was sent to me from Mike Cappi, Thanks Mike.
Posted By thecircusblog on October 27, 2016
This photo is of the Indian village at Ocean View Amusement Park, Norfolk, Va. The information that follows was sent to me via email from Joe Leatherman. I think you will find it very interesting. I know that I did because it most likely the last place that Tex Orton and his family worked at. The Orton family were good friends with my father and mother. Tex was on the 101 Ranch show in the early 1940’s, along with us. Even as a kid I remember them well. I want to thank Joe Leatherman for the photo and the info on Tex Orton. The actual name of the show was “The 101 Ranch Wild West & Circus.”
