Posted By thecircusblog on August 12, 2011
Siebrand Bros. Circus Early 1950’s. Here’s another fine act that was with the Siebrand Circus .
This particular year, we were not with the show so I do not know their names. If someone recognizes them, I hope you will make a comment.
Please read comment from Carol Phillips.
Posted By thecircusblog on August 10, 2011
Harry Ross was known as Mop Head the Clown. I remember him with such fondness. In his younger years. he had a vaudeville act where he did a very sensational solo hand balancing act. His partner was a little dog named Pal. His act consisted of extraordinary strength in hand balancing and his prop was a 12-foot A-frame ladder. He would go into a handstand, and basically walk up the ladder on his hands. When he got to the top rung, he would do a series of planges – one arm plange, side plange, etc. – and then he would lean over and push up into a one arm handstand balancing on his finger tips. He would then descend the ladder on his hands. Phenomenal!
As he got older, he changed his image to that of a clown, and his act became a comedy balancing table and chairs.
Harry was responsible for teaching me how to do handstands, one arm handstands, press planges, roll-up planges and more. He felt it was important that I learn these things. “You never know in this business when you’re going to need to know how to do these things,” he always said.
His theory was – whether you were standing on a sidewalk or sitting in a chair, you should have the strength and confidence to do a handstand as naturally as standing.
I’ve never known a person who spoke ill of Harry Ross. May God rest his wonderful soul.
If you go to the Search feature on The Circus Blog’s front page and type in Harry’s name, you will find other posts with photos of his act.
Posted By thecircusblog on August 10, 2011
They were known as the Latinos. Herbie is doing his finish trick.
Posted By thecircusblog on August 10, 2011
Shelby is seen here doing a fly over on the horizontal bars. The act was known as The Jackson’s. Babe, Shelby’s wife, forever with a smile. The name of the person on the right is unknown to me. I believe they were on the Gil Gray show at the time of this photo.
From the comment of Mary Gary Frasier, the young man on the right is John Herriotte.
John you were in great company. Shelby and Babe were the best of the best
Thanks Mary for the comment.
Posted By thecircusblog on August 10, 2011
Photo was taken in New Bedford, MA on August 9, 1986. The young lady with the African elephant I believe to be Dianne.
Posted By thecircusblog on August 10, 2011
Even though my family and I spent many a season off and on with the Siebrand Circus, there were several seasons that we were not on the show. Dad booked sometimes a year or two in advance, other shows and fairs etc. I was also doing quite a bit of movie work. This is why I am not familiar with many of these acts or the names of the performers. However, they are important and should be acknowledged. I do know this performer was on the Siebrand Circus in the early 1950’s.
Posted By thecircusblog on August 10, 2011
There no question that Mable Stark made history with her 12 Tigers.
H.A. Atwell Photo.
