Volume III, Issue #57 December 15,1998

THE FLYING VALENTINOS OFBLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS

2?y Cherie 'VaCentine \(A Paper Presented at the Illinois History

Symposium in Springfield, IL December 5, 1998) jThe circus was & is an important component of;American popular culture. The circus coming to town|was a very exciting time for rural America. Everyonehad his or her own favorite acts in the circus. For many,the aerial acts not only represent grace & daring, but theyare the highlight of the circus. A lot of the young girls in;the audience want to be like the beautiful girls flying inthe air. The young boys, perhaps, dream of being one iday like "The Man on the Flying Trapeze." ;My interest in the circus, both past & present, comes;from my circus family background. My parents & my :aunt & uncles were trapeze artists way before I was born. \My family has left me with many journals, telling of the 1expenses & income made in the circus business; !performance contracts with circuses, stating their salaries& dates & towns of the performances; scrapbooks with •many newspaper & magazine articles & programs fromthe shows they worked for. iI also have some of the flying act rigging & all of thedouble trapeze act rigging that my mother & her partner& I used after my father had to quit flying because ofheart problems. 1 am fortunate enough to have all thecostumes, from the mid-30s to 1984, when I retired fromperforming in the circus. I also have 3 circus wardrobetrunks used in the dressing rooms. One is the trunk thatmy father used in 1932 when he was catcher in theFlying Concellos trapeze act for Ringling Bros. On theinside of the lid there are a few small pictures & route flyinS trapeze. George's troupe would be called, Thecards. Flying Valentinos; Fred's was the Flying Valentines;My father, George Valentine, was born in Normal, IL in R°y's was the Flying Romas (a combination of Roy &1898. By 1928, he is listed in the city directory as an his wife Mary's names) & Bill's was the Flying LaVals."aerial-artist." He taught his 3 brothers the act of the (Continued on Page 4)

By the late 1920s. George was the catcher for the FlyingSullivans & the Flying LaMar troupes. Art Concellochose George to be his catcher in Art's new act. TheFlying Concellos & they went to work in 1930 with theRobbins Bros. Circus.In the off-season, performers either practiced at the WardBarn or at the YMCA in downtown Bloomington. Manypeople came to watch them practice at the "Y" &Lorraine Mather was one of them. She would go watchher father play chess, but would also go watch the circusperformers practicing. She said, "Oh, if I could ever learnto do that!"Little did she know that one day she would be thrillingmillions of people, flying thru the air, like thoseperformers she so admired.In a 1979 article, Gary Schoepfel states: "It was purecoincidence that George Valentine & Walt Graybealwere standing together in front of the YMCA on a daythat Lorraine happened to be walking by. Walt piped up,"There's a girl that wants to learn to fly! He calledLorraine over. George then asked her, 'Would you like tobe a flyer?' Lorraine said, 'I don't think I could.' 'I didn'task you if you could, I asked you if you wanted to,'George said. She immediately answered, 'Yes!' "When asked to recall her first time on the trapeze, shesaid, "The first thing you have to learn is how to hit thenet. That's most important. You go up & get hold of thebar. They tell you, 'Don't drop in the net until you swingall the way out to the end. Then, let go. Put your arms inclose to your body & just float down & hit on your back."Then you get out there & you can't let go! Finally, youcan't hang on anymore. You just fall in the net. They allstand around & laugh at you!"Lorraine had learned to do a single trapeze act & a webact in case the contract might call for more than just aflying act. This paid ofFfor her when in 1950 my dad hadto retire from the flying act because of heart problems.Lorraine & her flying partner of 15 years, Sue Pelto,started a double trapeze act, that they could put up & teardown by themselves. After George passed away in 1955,Lorraine booked the act herself.I joined the act when I was 3 years old. We were knownas the Valentino Sisters & Cherie. One time I climbed upto the pedestal board of my uncle's flying act rigging,that was set up in the yard & discovered just how high upI WAS! There was no one around & I started yelling.They had to come up & get me! I never went on a flying

trapeze rigging again! Steve Gossard, curator of theSpecial Circus Collections at ISU invited mom & Sue tohis house in 1985 to view circus movies & had a tapeplayer running to listen to their comments. When momsaw the wardrobe Alfredo Codona had on. she said,"Look, Sue, we have that costume!" 1 have severalcostumes in the trunks that the Codonas wore. I also havea picture with Dad, Alfredo & Art Concello, taken on theRingling Circus. While looking at the costumes of the30s, Mom commented. "Today, they wear practicallynothing at all!" Mom also said, while watching themovies, that she once hit the net & bit her whole lip inhalf. She was 22. She had a fractured jaw & deep gashesof the lower lip & one knee. In a 1937 article, it states,"Lorraine is recovering from a bad injury received in afall when she was doing a one & a half somersault duringa show in Corpus Christi, TX. She missed the timingwith George & fell on the side of her head against the net.The fall tore loose several vertebrae." I remember hersaying that the only thing that saved her life was going toa chiropractor.In Steve Gossard's Bandwagon article, Mom tells thestory. "After the show, George & I went to the doctor &we were told we had to wait our turn. The doctor wasbusy with a fellow who had gone to the circus & suffereda heart attack when he witnessed a girl failing from atrapeze!" Mom loved telling that story!1 have the pay receipts from the Russell Bros. Circus in1943. Both Mom & Sue were fined 50 cents each, 8times, for missing Spec! There is also a Victory TaxWithheld receipt for $127, for 6 months work. From thejournals & contracts, I have been able to put together theitinerary of the Flying Valentines from 1933 to 1950 &the double trap act from then until 1964, when I retiredfrom trapeze performing. Lorraine was very proud of atrick she did. It was a 2 1/2 somersault, performed with ablack blindfold over her eyes & a gunny sack over herhead. I still have the gunny sack. Lowell Sherer recallswitnessing an unusual spectacle at the Shrine Circus atthe Coliseum in Chicago, while catching for Fred's act.There was in attendance a large group of deaf children,seated in the balcony at about the same level as thetrapeze act. Each time the announcer introduced thetricks the flying act would perform (George & Fred wereworking together on this date, a rare occasion), theyreceived a healthy round of applause. From the catch bar& from the pedestal board, George & Fred announced the

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trick AGAIN hand signing, lo yet another even louderround of applause from their special audience.While working with Billy Ward's troupe the followingyear in Omaha. Jimmy Olson also witnessed Georgesigning lo a special audience of deaf children! Mygrandparents couldn't speak or hear. In December. 1947,George bought a large horse stable & 7 acres in Normal.1L. He purchased the Happy Acres stables from BillCaudell & converted the area & building into a trainingground & rest center for show people. He called it.Circus Haven. I can remember seals, dogs. lions & tigersparked in our driveway! The walls of our apartment werecovered with 8x10 photos of performers, most of themautographed, which 1 still have. In 1939, the FlyingValentinos won the Billboard magazines' award for theBest Flying Act in the Country. I have the plaquehanging on my wall. They took pride in not only theirappearance, but also their performance. I am very proudof them & the impact they had on the circus industry.(This is a portion of the paper I gave. I also had slides togo along with the talk. It was well received by thenon-circus people attending. This may not be reprintedor copied without the written approval of the author.)

M M M * * *| A VERY HAPPY |

* HOLIDAY f

I

I

SEASON

TO ALL MY FRIENDS

IA OimVjrJUJi, 1 W11 t

* * * * * * * * *

JEANNIESLEETER

SINGLETON

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

and

BEST WISHES

from

525 Oak Street

El Cerrito, CA. 94530

From the Phoenix Zoo: As part of regular annualexams given to all animals, as many as 5 meerkats("Timon'' of the Lion King) will undergo physical examson Dec. 10 & 2 male baboons will receive exams on Dec.17. Both exams will be conducted in the Zoo's AnimalCare Center. Media is invited to observe the physicals."Tigers in Crisis", a traveling exhibit, will make a stop atthe Zoo thru Feb. 28. This exciting exhibit will givevisitors an opportunity to discover the plight of theendangered tiger, & ways to conserve this species.Zookeeper elephant talks are held at 11:15 a.m. Monday-Thursday at the elephant exhibit. For more informationon Zookeeper talks, call 273-1341, ext. 6421.*********************************************

Sheelagh Jones reports: On Nov. 14, Illinois circusfans were joined by fans from Wisconsin & Ohio fortheir annual John Davenport/Col. Earl Tegge Tent No. 1,luncheon in Rosemont, IL. Father Jerry Hogan, the circuschaplain, joined the 52 fans & guests for lunch. Ringlinghad generously donated "goodies" for all attendees, anda few words were said by officers of several IllinoisTents, the Father & Past CFA President, Rich Deptula.*********************************************

ELEPHANT STARBy Mike Cecere

Back in the early days of television, it was not unusual tosee elephants several times a week as part of either acircus, variety show or some children's themepresentation. Then, there was a long lapse where youonly saw them on wildlife specials or yearly RinglingBros. Circus highlights & '"Circus of the Stars" shows.Well, elephants are back in a Big Way. Not only doseveral major products use elephants in order to sell theirproducts, but TV shows are bringing them back. The topones, of course, are wildlife-based shows, such as JackHanna's Animal Adventures. Kraft's Creatures, WildThings among others.And the best elephant venue yet. ABC/Disney TV's "OneSaturday Morning" show. Co-starring with a teenage girlhost, the elephant is named "Jellyroll" and has an off-stage actor with a deep baritone voice "speaking" for her.Sounds kind of kooky. I know, but if you're an elephanttrainer, it's nothing short of hilarious! And those of uswho are really into elephants, recognize "Jellyroll"' asnone other than "Susie", one of the many highly trainedAfrican elephants in America. She was raised & trainedby well-known animal trainer, Joanne Wilson.For many years, Joanne & Susie toured on some ofAmerica's top indoor circus venues, as well as tent shows& parks. Imported by well known elephant authority andtrainer. Frank Thompson, she is one of the best lookingelephants in America, with fine confirmation & greatpersonality.Frank, a well known elephant authority & zoo director,always was able to obtain the finest specimens of anyspecies through his many years of zoological experience.And he always made sure only the top people in theindustry obtained animals he was involved with.After touring many happy years with Joanne, the chancefor her "Susie" to go into the film business came & shejoined the highly regarded Brian McMillan & his moviemenagerie. Under the bright lights of Hollywood,"Susie" has really excelled and with her own TV showevery week, the sky's the l imit . What could be next forher? Her own talk show?Just imagine, "Live with Susie", sponsored by PurinaElephant Chow & Planters' Peanuts! Not all that crazy anidea really. Anyway, just happy to have elephants backon TV. Good job "Susie!"*********************************************

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM CHERIE

;DOQ MY TIGER'SGOT AN ITCH"

The True Storyof a KentuckyHill CountryVeterinarianWho OccasionallyRuns AwayWith The Circus

THE AUTHOR OF

DOC, MY TIGER'S GOT AN ITCH

Announces a new book

^IlilllJIIyER A HO-HUM DAYA true story about a Kentucky hill country veterinarian's practice-before there were paved country roads, no rural telephones, housesand barr.s lighted with kerosene lamps and a land smothered withself-serving politicians and bathed in superet i t ions Some eve-Relieved in witches! Maybe some still dol

In this book -Doc" Martin also tells more of his circus adventurer,ith Mil l s Bros. Circus as well as the Rinqlinq show.

Shipping and Handling b $3.50 first book, 5.50 each additional book

Send Orders to

JOHN G. MARTIN, DVM

1416 Junior RoadAshland, Kentucky 41102-8937

NEVER A HO-HUM DAY $22.50DOC, MY TIGER'S GOT AN ITCH 522.50

Please send at $22.50 each =Kentucky purchasers %6 sales tax =

S&H =TOTAL =

NAME:

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USDA REVOKES NOELL'S LICENSENov. 13: The USDA administrative law judge has foundAnna Mae Noell of Palm Harbor. FL. guilty of violatingthe Animal Welfare Act. "Noell's Chimp Farm didn'tprovide the minimum standards of animal care requiredby the Animal Welfare Act." said Michael Dunn. "Thehousing facilities lacked proper ventilation & drainageand. in some instances, were not fit for the types ofanimals they contained. 2 violations involved themishandling of her primates; it was in the best interests ofthe animals thai we revoked her license."She was fined $25,000 & her licensed revoked. She hasunti l early December to appeal the decision.

TOPEKA ZOO SETTLES USDA CHARGESNov. 9: The Zoo. working with the consultants & USDA,wi l l spend at least $25,000 on the development &implementation of a quality & compliance assuranceprogram to ensure the safety & well-being of theiranimals.

BOISE CITY ZOO CHARGEDThe deaths of several animals at the Zoo are a directresult of their noncompliance with the AAV A. The APHISinspectors found that the Zoo failed to: Keep compatibleanimals in primary enclosures resulting in the death of anelk; Utilize a sufficient number of employees to maintainthe prescribed level of husbandry practices resulting inthe death of an elk. lion & leopard: Provide vet care toanimals in need of care: Keep the premises clean & ingood repair; Clean primary enclosures as required.

SANTA'S FOREST ZOO, PICAYUNE, MS-CLOSED

FOR 10 YEARS:"Our animal care inspectors found a number of problemsinvolving housing at the Craig & Elaine Collier facility.Rather than collecting a large fine & allowing continuedoperation, we reached an agreement with the Colliers thatwill close Santa's Forest Zoo for at least 10 years."They agreed to a fine of $7500 & a 10-year licensesuspension.

PIGEON FORGE, TN EXHIBITOR CHARGEDBill Dolozier, dba Three Bears Gift Shop, broke apromise. In 1996, the USDA & Dolozier settled in goodfaith several charges involving AWA violations. APHISinspectors found that he failed to: Clean enclosures forbears as required; Provide adequate Vet care for animals;Clean & sanitize food receptacles; Provide animals withadequate shelter from sunlight & inclement weather.*********************************************

FRANK BUCK ZOO CHARGEDThe Frank Buck Zoo. Gainesville. TX, lacks properlytrained personnel & that is a problem. The agreementwe've reached with them will require that they spend themoney to get the type of training their animal handlersneed. The civil penally is $15,000. $10,000 is to be spenton training for all personnel & $5000 is to be paid to theTreasurer of the United Slates.*********************************************

SIEGFRIED & ROY SCHEDULEThe master illusionists will appear from Jan. 2-5. OnJanuary 8, they resume their regular two-show-a-night(7:30 & 11 pm.) Friday thru Tuesday schedule.They begin Iheir summer hiatus June 29, reluming to TheMirage on July 19-20. They arc off July 21-22, resumingtheir regular schedule July 23.Siegfried & Roy have received the highest honoraccorded on behalf of the gaming entertainment industry;induction into the Gaming Hall of Fame. They join FrankSinatra as the only entertainers honored in the 10-yearhistory of gaming's ultimate recognition.In accepting the Tiffany-designed award, Roy said that it"stands for many things: breaking molds, changingattitudes, breaking rules & setting trends. "More than 25years ago, we were told magic doesn't work in this town.In 1982, as Siegfried & I did away with topless shows,we opened new ways for all ages to enjoy ourentertainment...and the city followed our lead.""We brought wild animals to the desert. Unusual? Sure!Who would have ever thought that 'Sin City' would bethe one which would save for the world the rarestendangered, species of them all-the White Lions & theRoyal White Tigers. In helping to bang the drums &shape the image of our magical city, Siegfried & I reallydid what was logical for us...grow with Las Vegas &have Las Vegas grow with us. It's been the perfectmarriage & we've been having fun along the way. Tojoin Frank Sinatra as the only entertainers recognized byyou, the gaming industry, for induction into the GamingHall of Fame is a milestone we will always treasure." Tolearn more about the world of Siegfried & Roy on theirofficial web site go to: www. sarmoti.comThere you wil l find beautiful pictures of Roy and theWhite Lions at the Cincinnati Zoo when he recently wentback to visit Prosperity. I have saved one picture of Royand the lions as wallpaper on my computer. Just rightclick on any picture on the Net and you can save it aswallpaper.

a

Merry Christmas and^[appy 9{ezv year To

DICK McGIVNEY

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COURTSHIP OF A CLOWN"By 'Biff'Baffantine

(Holiday, July, 1950. From the ISU Archives.Reprinted with permission of the Ballantincs.)

Apr. 13, NYC—Impossible to hear music cues downhere! You'd th ink someone could rig up a speaker soclowns wouldn't have lo make their numbers by sheeranimal instinct.Apr. 14, NYC—First week over & into the grind. Snowrocker broke tonight & the loges had a blizzard dumpedin their laps. The blue lights & that snow fluttering downin Spec sure gives that tall skinny Snow Queen a break.Vince, the new animal boss, has broken a giraffe & ababy hippo lo lead in Spec. The hippo is on a leash justlike a pet dog. The giraffe is kept out by the performers'dressing rooms & it's a weird sight to see her neckweaving up over the backstage telephone booth. Nicky,the Greek from the slack-wire act, calls that Whiskersgirl "Giraffa." I don't know which name is worse.Apr. 15, NYC—My prop box got its first lick of painttoday. One side is now grass green. The tall one came byas I was putting the mermaid away & passed a fewwords. Said she liked my drawings in the program &thinks the mermaid is very "droll." First time I've heardher talk; has the strangest high-style voice. Wonderwhere she hails from? I just come up to her shoulder.Apr. 16, NYC—My strip pants are still not dropping fastenough. Asked Jerry to file down the release pin.Apr. 20, NYC—Have been out with the tall one. Myfriends Ted & Vera caught the night show & 1 had to findsomeone to take along to a small party after. Asked tallone just before Finale this afternoon on the 50th St. side,where we both wait to go on. She seemed pleased &surprised but I think she knows I've been nosing around.Was a good thing Sue Fox found out her name for mebetween shows. It's Roberta Light. The Whiskers is justa John Murray Anderson showgirl nickname after herUncle Ron, who once wrestled thru Africa & Australiaunder a magnificent red beard & the moniker "WhiskersBlake." I did a quick splash-bucket bath & Kellogg lentme some scent from his splendid array to cover whatclown smell didn't come off. The party headed for "21"but changed course to Tim's, down 3rd Ave. Had a lot oftalk & draft beer, both good, & found Whiskers looksquite charming under amber light. Floated home in alittle glow.Apr. 21, NYC—-Whiskers came by to say she had a nicetime last night & to pass along some new business she'd

thought up for my mermaid. I've asked her to comealong to another party Fri. night. She'll let me know. TheGarden is very breezy backstage. Ballet broads arccomplaining of drafts up their hoop skirts. First-of-Maysare sorry now they picked out the scanty glamourwardrobe. Old circus girls know better. They rememberthose bitter nights in Tennessee & the Carolinas thatalways come at the end of the season.Apr. 22, NYC—My strip pants arc only dropping rightonce in every 4 or 5 shows. It embarrasses me not to havethem come down right when I'm before the public. Wentwith some of the clowns to the Spaghetti Joint, anothercheap eating place. Circus supers soon get to know allthe nutritious places without tablecloths around theGarden. Whiskers sent word she can't come to the party.During Spec I caught her smiling at the new Danishjuggler.Apr. 24, NYC—Good party last night. The midgetsarrived first. They must have run across town betweenpeoples' legs. Paul Jerome, the clown, came & Felix,who never turns down a social doing, & Norman Carroll,our announcer, & Kellogg & lots more. Paul Horompo,the midget, held my ear all evening on the grievances ofthe little people in a 5' 7" world. Felt lousy today. Maybe just hung over.Apr. 26, NYC-—The chimps have pneumonia & the act isout of the show. Madame Fifi, who works them, is sad. Iasked Whiskers about that crazy Suzy between shows.Now at least the mystery of her new blouses is solved.She simply throws the dirty ones away! New romancebudding-Marcella, who left a socialite family to join outlast year, & Elkhorn, a new elephant boy.Apr. 27, NYC—A photographer came back for someclown shots & while we had coffee at the grease jointbackstage, saw a workhand suddenly get slapped silly forsaying there are too many foreigners with the Circus.Explained to the startled photog that (he Circus is 28different nationalities, real proud of its democracy & wayahead of most other communiiies in genuine tolerance.Whiskers is out of the show today with a cold. Feeldownright lousy myself.May 4, NYC—Been laid low the last 5 days with what isbeing labeled "walking pneumonia." Affected so manyclowns it really should be called "walkaroundpneumonia." While I was out one of the chimps was putin an oxygen tent, but died. The act is supposed to comeback under canvas, but I think it's out for good.

(Continued on Page 13)

H

**PASSING OF OUR FRIENDS**PIO NOCK DIES IN CIRCUS RING

(Thanks to Peter Ikndall. of Hamburg & Bobby Makesfor sending this report in. Prof. David MacDonald,History Dept. at ISU, translated from the German reportPeter & Bobby sent me.)Translated from German Pio Nock, the last greatclassical clown of Switzerland, is dead. Pio diedDecember 4, seven months after the death of his belovedwife. Alexandra, at the age of 77, during his act at thepremiere performance of the Dortmund ChristmasCircus, "Maskerade," of a heart attack. Despiteimmediate attempts of recitation, he died still in costume.According to the desire of the Nock family, theperformance, after a half hour interruption, was played tothe end & concluded with a minute of silence. The lastresting place of the great clown wil l be in the family plotin Morrens, Switzerland. A public memorial service wiHtake place Dec. 14, at 11 a.m.. in the tent of AlfredNock's Christmas Circus at the Allmend in Bern,Switzerland & the burial will take place later in a privatefamily ceremony.l-'rom Peter: The artists of the Christmas Circus & thefamily of the famous clown, Pio Nock, say farewelltoday at 2 p.m. with a memorial service in the Circuslent. The Swiss artiste suffered a heart attack in the circusring during last Friday's performance of the"Weihnachtscircus." It will be a very special festivememorial. Those of the people of Dortmund who feelthey would like to attend are cordially invited-saysDietmar Niemand, Chief of the Circus.Pio Nock was cremated & the ashes taken to the familygrave in Switzerland. He is known as a legendary clown,remembered particularly from the film, "Circus World,"where he stood before the cameras with ClaudiaCardinale, Rita Hayworth & John Wayne. After hisdeath, the show's premiere carried on."That is what grandfather would have wanted," said hisgranddaughter, Nina. The Christmas Circus hasperformances until Jan. 10th. "Other clowns take overthe parts from Pio, but they cannot replace him," saidDietmar.*********************************************

MRS. ARNOLD MALEY PASSES 11/15(1 received this note from Frances' family.)The members of Frances Wingo Maley's family aresaddened to report her recent death. At eleven o'clockon Sunday. Nov. 15, we said our last good-byes to her.

"Gram'' was lucid & positive-thinking to the very end ofher purposeful ninety-nine years.Mrs. Maley had left word with her family to notify meupon her demise. I have kept in contact wi th her since Ijoined the Beally show in 1975. What a wonderful lady!When she moved to the Ft. Lauderdale area, she had togive her beloved two cats away to her Vet. and it brokeher heart to do this. She always asked how mine weredoing & I would send her pictures of them. Her birthdaywas in October and I knew she was getting older, just asI am, but 1 never imagined that she turned 99!! I am sohappy that I know she received my card. She will bemissed not only by her family, but by your editor also. Itis so important to keep in touch with our old friends. Restin peace, my dear, dear friend. I will miss yourfriendship.*********************************************

Dale Riker reports that Lewis Bros. Circus was a mudshow that came out of Jackson, MI, pre-war, he thinks.The Nelson Family were a part of the show for a longtime. In White Tops. Feb. 1942, it says, "Whitey Ford,the radio comic, known as the "Duke of Paducah," haspurchased Lewis Bros. Circus & will be featured with theshow this season. They will also add some barn-dancepersonalities who are favorably known to the radioaudience. The show is set to open on May 1, at Jackson,MI. In the 70s, John Lewis & Hoxie Tucker werepartners in Lewis Bros., as was Jimmy Silverlake.Dale also reports on the National Circus School ofPerforming Arts in Sarasola. He said on the 28th, therewas a show for the Circus Community & David Rosaire,The Wallendas & Dolly Jacobs got rousing, standingovations. Dale also went to the Ice Palace show,Hanneford, & they had Mark Karoly, doing the horse act& elephants; he also did an audience participationnumber, throwing the hat & with a water gun. BarryLubin was there & did his Jazzercise number that he didin Cleveland. There was also Lance Ramos, with his catact; 5 high trap acts with 2 wheels; the bow & arrowVitals; 3 tumbling acts; 2 flying acts, one did the triple &Satini Demon. The close was 2 incline motorcycles, ahigh motorcycle act with a girl doing trap & the Globe.This was a strong, stunning show. Thanks, Dale.*********************************************

Sheelagh Jones says thanks to Ringling again, theirgroup were able to purchase great seats to watch a greatcircus. The new regime have put together a show likenone other in recent years!

COURTSHIP OF A CLOWNMadame Fifi is crushed. I missed the crippled kidsbenefit yesterday morning. Kellogg filled in for me in theIndian number & another clown, Johnny Reilly, inFinale. I can't find Whiskers. She's still sick & hasmoved in with friends.May 5. NYC—The prop hands have been at my boxagain & now it's painted green all over except thebottom, which needs paint the most. Whiskers came backtoday. Suzy has been riding too hard & fast in theManege race. Today she cut a turn too close & sentBunny Wight's horse away from her. She was in tears &said she only joined the Circus to be with that horse.May 6, NYC—Payday today & I wasn't docked for beingout. Neither was Whiskers. We're all glad the end of thisstand is in sight, even though everything about theperformance is the best here-audiences, costumes, floats& lighting. The Garden is rough on performers. The stagedoors, being big enough to let elephants pass, makeregular wind tunnels of the backstage corridors. Dressingrooms have all the faults of the makeshift. The constantstair-climbing knocks us out. As a going-away present, Itook Miss Whiskers to see her favorite clown, AlicePearce, at the Blue Angel. Had to rush to make themidnight show as we break about 11:30. Discovered thedemure Miss Whiskers has an ear-splitting, through-the-teeth whistle she uses to hail cabs.May 9, NYC—Our tiring tryout stand is just about over.Now we take the Circus out to America. More than ahundred cities wait for us. We're moving tonight & theGarden is all confusion. The backstage floor mats havebeen taken up & there is plenty dust. All the travelingbags will be trucked to the cars in the Bronx thisafternoon. Saw that new Danish juggler putting Roberta'sbag in the truck. Bunch of us will chip in for a taxi to goup after the show tonight. Train leaves about 2 a,m.May 10, Boston—Into Boston for 6 days, still indoors.We're in Boston Garden, attached to North Station. Weopen with a matinee tomorrow, instead of the usual nightshow. Looks like the new management means business.Found my name chalked on the same dressing room dooras last year, along with Kellogg, Frohm, Bangs & thenew clown, Burch. Clowns are scattered all over. We'rein a cubbyhole under the seats & lucky, for some aredressing in lavatory stalls. I safety-pinned my red berthcurtains together to make a door drape & Kellogg forageda dirty strip of canvas to screen off grills that open on theArena. Burch stole a rubbish box from Concessions &

we're all set for the run. Laid in a bottle of wine againstopening-night chill.May 11, Boston—Opened to sparse house, mostly paper.Never much good here opening day. Met Whiskerswalking in from the train. Dropped her at the railroad-station drugstore to buy hairpins & ear stopples to shutout the noise of train travel. Typical First-of-May idea,but might work. She took me to see the 2 new pony coltsin ring stock. One was foaled on the train en route & DocHenderson brought it to the Garden in a taxi. Clownwalkarounds all mixed up today as everyone is trying totake his gags in from the entrance nearest the dressingrooms. Wenzel is back at his wire snowman again.May 13, Boston—Went to rummage for clown wardrobeat the Morgan Memorial, but it was closed & I could onlypeep in the dingy windows at some faded tailcoats &castoff Harvard boaters. Saw Whiskers, who told meSuzy is less of a problem now that we are living in thecars. She & 58 other girls are stashed in No. 62, namedLos Angeles.May 14, Boston—Started to go to the Laff-Movie thisa.m., but had more fun looking in the funny mirrors in thelobby. Father Sullivan, Boston's No. 1 Circus fan,brought a bundle of nurses' stockings around to theclowns. The tops make good skull caps. Went to theItalian section near the Garden between shows for awashboard, clothesline & clothespins. Lola, the tight-wire walker (Dainty Swiss Miss above an Abyss ofIntrepidity) is telling the girls she's to have a baby.May 15, Boston—Suzy has had her hair dyed a purplishred by Madame Fifi. Slight case of fisticuffs in thedressing room tonight. One of the Italian acrobats & aballet boy, who was too concerned over his bridgeworkto make it much of a set-to. Asked Whiskers to go withme to the Old Howard midnight burlesque, but she'dalready promised the Dane. So I went with some of thecandy butchers. Saw Marcella & Elkhorn in a stage box,but didn't spot Whiskers anywhere.May 17, en route—40 cars loaded with the outdoorequipment have come up from Sarasota & the Big Top isup & waiting for us in Washington. This big clumsything is finally beginning to be a real circus with tents.Spent a lot of time in the sun out on the platform feelinggood to be swaying along on a circus train again. We areover 40 in my car-20 clowns, 5 midgets, 4 flyers, 2aerialists, 3 from a riding act, 3 jugglers & thegrandfather of 1, the organist, 5 dogs & Paul the porter!

(To Be Continued)

LIFE OF BIG CIRCUS OWNER NOTBED OF ROSES SINCE WAR BEGAN

Art Concello Tells Why, Brings News ofLocal People (From the Bloomington, ILPantagraph, 1945: Valentine Archives)

The stocky blond man thought a moment, then he said,"Well. I think our biggest wartime worn' was filling ourmeal supply. You see. we eat 600 lo 800 pounds of meateach day."That sounds like a big family and it is. In his family,there are 40 meat eating wild animals, not lo mention 60horses, 20 other animals & snakes and 500 people whohave to find their own meat. This "family" is the RussellBros. Circus and the blond man who has to worry aboutfeeding the animals is Art Concello, owner of the circus& former Bloomingtonian.This is the circus that features famous Clyde Beatty, wildanimal trainer. Art is back in his old stomping groundvisiting his parents, Mr & Mrs Vasconcellos. Art says themeat shortage was met with horse meat which the finickylions wouldn't eat at first. They were used to beef."They've caught on now and get along fine on equinerations," he declares.The 40 cats-lions, tigers & pumas gobble up 15 to 20pounds of raw meat daily. The meat problem was justone headache brought on by war, the former aerialistpoints out. Talented performers for the Big Top, workersto gather to gather up the circus and take it from city to

.city and steel rigging & big wagons are items that don'tgrow on trees! Transportation isn't what it used to beeither. But women performers stepped into many of theacts, Art pointed out. Today, about 90 percent of hisperformers are girls & women but before the war, only25 percent were feminine. As yet, circuses haven'tsuffered any shortage of animals, although they can't justring up Frank Buck as they used to and say, "Send over acouple of tigers, will you, Frank?"Mr. Buck's Long Island farm hasn't taken in anyimported wild animals for 5 years, but circuses gotstocked up before the war on llamas, camels, leopards,pumas, zebras & elephants. Fortunately most animalshave long lives & charm circus audiences for many years.Art has no use for zebras! "They're the meanest animalsin the world. They're hard to control & have no sense.We had a trainer work with one bunch from Nov. toApril, but when he got thru, they were just the same asever. You can train a pony, but you can't train a zebra,"he declares. Art has lots of news about other

Bloomingtonians, now with the Big Top. His wife,Antoinette Comeau Concello is still with the show. Hewas asked how he felt when his wife went thru her daringperformance & he replied, "Why, we're so used to it it'sjust like going down to the office!" He himself has doneno aerial work for 3 years.Grace Kil l ian. his half-sister, is secretary-treasurer withthe show, & his half-brother, Joe, will go out with it thisspring. Wayne Larey is in Australia, managing a set ofacts owned by Art. They travel with the Wirth Bros.Circus. Wayne has been "down under" for the last 7years.Eddie Ward is still in a flying act with the Concellooutfit. Eldon Day is now in Grand Rapids, MI, managinga set of acts from Russell Bros, which is providing aShrine Circus there. The army & navy also took their tollof Bloomington circus performers.Mitzi & Jean Sleeter are in a flying act with Art's circuswhile their husband & father, "Red" Sleeter, formerphysical education director at the YMCA, is with thenavy in the south Pacific. Harold Genders is in navaltraining at San Diego, but his wife is still wi th the circus.Both were in a flying act. Duke Rhodus is training atNorfolk with the navy. He was an aerialist, too.Many Russell Bros, acts are touring the nation on winterengagements. Aerial & bar acts now in the Shrine showat Grand Rapids wi l l go next to Cleveland, then toMinneapolis and finally to Los Angeles, where the circusopens its summer season March 24. There the audiencewill se Ala Naittlo, Russian-Chinese tight wire walker,who is not yet 20. Now training here in Bloomington, sheis the only girl in the world who can do a forwardsomersault on the tight wire, Mr. Concello boasts!*********************************************

Gary Thomson reports: The Toronto Christmas ModelTrain Show was held Nov. 21 & 22 in Mississauga,Ontario. This was the first fall show put on but the oldspring show was well liked & well attended with 70,000sq. ft. of displays & venders. The Martin Downs Ring#18 once again attended with a small circus modeldisplay. Gerry & Shirley Nicholls, Ray & IsabelleBottoms & Paul and Grace Pattison displayed. The clubwill put on a full display next year. The show likes thecircus models & always gives us a good location. Weusually set up a display of about 25 tables. Emmett Kelly,Jr. was in Frankenmuth, MI Nov. 21 & 22 to sign hisfigurines at the annual gathering of collectors. There is anew collection that was introduced there in honor of his75th year! Thanks, Gary.

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Back Yard1522 Clinton Blvd.Bloomington, IL 61701

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