The Billboard 1901-07-27: Vol 13 Iss 30 (1901-07-27)

a ei Fa AAP ARA S04 ADD tat tt tt be , 4 Barnum Show Wreck. “The Billboard,” with its characteristic progressiveness, Is enabled to present its readers with a full and detailed account of the recent disaster and wreck suffered by the Barnum & Bailey Shows. The cable dispatches were so meager as to be tantalizing. The following detailed account of the wreck will be eagerly welcomed by our army of readers in the circus world: THE WRECK AT BEUTHEN, GERMANY, JULY 6, 1901. The facts concerning our wreck at Beuthen were as follows: The second section had pulled into the yards, the flat being detached and placed on a track ready for unloading; the stock cars were run on another side track (a short track with a brick building at the lower end), where they were to be unloaded and remain during the day. The second section stock cars were those carrying the ring and race horses and a few baggage horses, and the pony car was the last on this section. It was in this ear that the ring stock grooms were sleeping, while in the other end, in a stateroom, slept Bill Smith, John Wilton and his son Willie. The third section came into the yards at a speed of about 30 to 40 miles an hour, and instead of the engineer following his instructions and pulling > before enterng the yards, ascertaining whether the tracks were clear before proceeding, he failed to heed his orders, but with his throttle open dashed into the railway yards at the above stated speed. The switch had not been changed after the second section was placed; therefore, the third ran in on the same track and dashed into the pony and stock cars. The two massive engines which were pulling the third section smashed into the pony car, cutting it right in two in the center. Smith and the Wiltons were sleeping in the end of the pony car first struck. Bill Smith was thrown off on one side, but Wilton and his son fell under the first engine. The end in which the grooms were sleeping was also badly shattered, but the men managed to crawl out through the windows, although some of them were badly bruised, and some sustained more serious injuries in the way of broken shoulders, wrists and ribs. As soon as the accident occurred John Young called Messrs. Hyatt Burke and the other bosses, and the working forces were soon aroused and proceeded to the scene, where the work of removing the wreck began at once. Bill Smith was instantly killed, but John Wilton was still alive when taken from beneath the engine, and he was immediately removed, together with the other injured ones, to the city hospital, where he lingered until 7:30. Another portion of the working men started to work getting the horses out of the wreck. Two of the black stallions were found dead, also one of the Roman standing horses and two of the baggace horses, while five ponies made up the total killed in the animal line. Many of the horses were badly injured, some of them so much so that their recovery is hardly probable, and even if they do they will be of no value to the show. After the ponies had been brought to the show crounds another died, likewise the little mule, thus increasing the number to 12 dead. Dave Adams, chariot driver, had his shoulder broken, while one of the other grooms sustained a broken wrist and rib. The other six men were badly bruised, but no bones were broken, and will eventually come out all right. The pony car, one flat and three stock cars were completely demolished, so that new ones will have to be rebuilt to take their pplace, while two other stock cars were badly damaged, and will require considerable overhauling to get them in proper shape for use. The accident happened at 2 o'clock in the morning. The electric lights in the railway yards were all burning brightly, and it was just breaking day; so that there is ho excuse for the engineer not seeing the sicnals. Purthermore, when the engines telescoped the drive wheels continued to revolve until the throttle was closed. Stories were circulated that the = accident was caused by the failure of the alr brakes on our ears, but this Is not the case; for after the accident, and when the wreck had been cleared away, the balance of the train was tested, and the brakes were found to work like a charm, while on the damaged cars the brakes were found to be set. The yard master stated ost positively that there was no effort ‘nade to apply the brakes, and that ‘he en“nes were running at a speed of fully 50 Kilometers an hour when they passed him \t the entrance to the yards. There is but one cause that can be attributed to the ‘ecident, and that ts the gross carelessness of the engineer on the first engine, who first failed to follow his instructions of stopping before entering the yards; second, not applying the brakes, and third, of com A BeBe pol ane es AID OYEY OD 8 ASD LAL 21 fr OD $9 696 FA b> & —— — OG la TS YF Tee ye) oves. bes ed Ut OUP ere vere. wre t 3 z : g Ing into the yard at such a speed. That the railway officials realized the fault was entirely due to the employes carelessness is best evidenced by the fact that they came at once and opened negotiations for a settlement, and have since adjusted everything, paying for the loss of all horses, and proceeding at once to construct new cars to take the place of those destroyed. The remains of Bill Smith and John Wilton were shipped from Beuthen to Breslau, and from here they go forward to America for burial. The wrecked cars made us short of space to transport the stock from Beuthen to Breslau; hence, a fifth section, made up of railway company cars, was run to bring the show to Breslau. Upon arrival at Breslau the injured horses and ponies were turned over to a veterinary here for treatment, there to remain until they either recover or pass away. Killarney, one of the menage horses, is so badly injured that his recovery is hardly probable, while the other two black stallions are very badly injured. The accident, luckily, did not affect our performance other than the 70-horse act, where we are short the black stallions and some of the running horses and ponies. The sad aecident causes great sorrow among all the company. The injured men left in the hospital are Wiiliam Wilton, Geo. Ellis. Dave Adams, Victor Dun, Ben Davies, Larry Kane and Steve Brown. They are receiving the best of treatment there, and all will be able to rejoin us within two weeks excepting Adams and Fllis, who, through broken bones, will probably have to remain behind for at least six weeks. Fvery department of the show worked hard and together to render every possible aid in clearing away the wreck, aiding the injured, ete., and in less than three hours after the accident occurred everything had been cleared away, and the work of unloading began. ; Barlow's Refined Show. ' We are now doing the banner business of the history of the show. ‘The weather being extremely warm makes it very unpleasant for evervbody. Our shipments vf canvas from J. C. Goss, of Detroit, adds greatly to our appearance, and also apparently adds to attendance. Mr. John Butt joined us some ten days ago, to take charge of the orchestra, and has also made a great improvement to our show. Dashington and Son, Church and Booth, Barlow Sisters and George Donahue include our performers. So far this season we are passing the most pleasant and profitable of the history of the show. Friends wishing our route must read “The Billboard” to get it. Wallace Show. Under date of July 17, our correspondent from Hartford City, Ind., writes as fol Notes from _ lows: The Great Wallace Shows, which gave two exhibitions here yesterday (July 16), again demonstrated the fact that Hartford City is an important show town. At both performances the tents were crowded to the limit. The most important feature of the whole was that the circus was the best seen here. One could hear nothing but the highest praise of the Great Wallace Show. Prof. Herkenrath has in training at the Wallace Show winter Le ge Peru, Ind., “Maud Earl,”’ an elephant, to take the place of the one recently killed at Eau Claire, Wis. Chas. Lockwood, a young newspaper man of Peru, Ind., is the press agent of the Great Wallace Show, and he is filling the position so acceptably as to receive general yraise all along the line where the show has exhibited. He is a gentlemanly and talented young man, and he fully understands the requirements of a press agent for a big show like the Wallace. Notes from the Baughman Show. We are touring Indiana and Illinois. our car was picked i at Loogootee, Ind., it was derailed, and it looked for a while like the wreck train would have to be sent for, but the trainmen got it on the rails all ©. K., and we pulled for Washington, Ind., for a week's stay. Our next stand is Lawrenceville, Ill, July 22 to 27; the following week Montgomery, Ind., July 29 to Aug. 3. The company is composed of I. G. Baughman, manager and proprietor; Frank Vell, contortionist; Chas. P. Helton, Irish comedian; Alvin Kirby, black-face comedian; Dora Baughman, soubrette; Prof. An As THE BILLBOARD derson, leader of band. The band consists of Noster Patton, cornet; Kirk Roberts, slide trombone; Jim’ Palmer, alto; Howard Monnison, tuba; Hetton, side drum; Billy Wilkes, bass drum. All enjoying good health. PROF. I. G. BAUGHMAN. The First of the Season at Buffalo. In opposition to the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo, N. Y., the ForepaughSells Brothers Twentieth Century Colossus Cireus put in a good day, July 13, being the lest of the season, drawing full tents; the parade pulling out one of the targest crowds on the streets of any attraction. Of the big show only praise can be given, as it is a headliner of all the red wagons. From start to finish of twenty displays the progtam was complete with the best of features, including Captain Woodford’s trained seals, a ecard for any circus. Minting, the Marvel, who made a hit on the spiral roadway; Starr, who does a dashing act on the extension ladder from the dome of the tent. The Ten Picchiania as acrobats are second to none. Clever riding was done by Linda Jeal, Sally Stickney, Fred Ledgett, Osesr Lowanda, Dolly Julian, Alex. Davenport and others. Other features introduced went with a skip and a flourish that was refreshing. The whole trick, from stem to stern was spic-span clean, and the management can congratulate themselves on the business done, bucking against the great attractions in the city. Come again next year, gentlemen, and we will give you another rouser. JOHN 8S. RICHARDSON. Billy Bennett’s Big Show. We had a big shake-up lately, the center pete dancing, but as usual we escaped ucky. North Dakota seems to be the northern breeding point for hurricanes and cyclones this year. We are surprising the natives with the aggregation we carry of drama, vaudeville and music. We are the biggest thing (in our line), and they say the best repertoire company ever up here, and they keep asking how can you afford to furnish us such a big thing for 25 cents. Our last week at Minto, N. D., fair week, we had big houses, and we are doing still better this week at Grafton. Some are afraid of this country, and if they are not exceptionally strong they had better stay away. We have a mosquito plague, and it’s quite a novelty to see the canvasmen on watch around a big top, keeping up “smudge” fires to keep mos yuitos from eating our audience up, and of course that affects business. It used to be said one could square everything but the weather. The latest is the mosquito question. Still, all are happy, and getting theirs every Sunday. ra Oard just joined, and has taken charge of band, and there is an improvement. We now have twelve Al musicians, and with swell uniforms and gold lettered decorated banners on parade twice daily, we keep the natives awake. The rain has at last stopped, and a big ay 3 is assured. B. B. Notes from Campbell Bros. Great Consolidated Shows. We are having fine weather, and business is good every day. At Mt. Vernon, Wash., we did a big business, notwithstanding the opposition with the Sells and Gray shows. Doe Campbell has just returned from the McDonald shows, which went to pieces at Baker City, Ore. He went there to buy some animals, but could ag nothing but some monkeys and birds. . A. Clark, who was ahead of the McDonald shows, is here and will probably go ahead of this show. We have had nice, cool weather on the sound, but it is terribly hot here today. Mr. J. C. Obrine, our license adjuster, has gone to Spokane to fix the license. The Colonel is certainly all right in his line of the business. Paul Gore, the leader of the sideshow band, is playing all the late music. He has a splendid band of eight pieces. Rydon and Nelson made a great hit in Tacoma and Seattle in their big aerial act. Alex. G. Lawanda is riding a great mule hurdle act in the make-up of a Dutchman, and Mizuma’s troupe of dogs are pronounced the best in the business. Fred Gifford is making a big hit in the concert with his banjo solos. The Maginises, Chas. and Mamie, are a late addition to our concert. The price of admission to the concert has been 25 cents all over the West, except at Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane, where it was 10 cents. Frank Burcham, the leaper, joined show at Everett, Wash., as candy butcher. I got the forty copies of the 6th yesterday; sold twenty-five of them in ten minutes, so came out all right. Always send them to the Monday stand until we get as far East as Denver, then you can send them to the Saturday town. We did a nice business at Spokane. Mr. Fredricks, of the Sells & Gray Shows visited the show here. I met Harry Graham, who writes for “The Billboard” at Tacoma. He is certainly a nice gentleman and a loyal Elk. I think the Sells & Gray Shows will do a nice business in the West, as everything is in good shape in this country. Archie Booker, with his performing monkeys, is one of the features of our side-show. Lora, the snake charmer, rejoined the show at Spokane, after being away three weeks. ” . the° j 5 Shows at Buffalo. “A Trip to Buffalo” had its premier July 15, at the Academy, to a highly pleased audience. It has just bead enough to make it frothy for summer crowds; amusing and plenty of fun. Being based on the PanAmerican, it has a local flavor. The cast is competent to carry the piece through, with plenty of material for several operas. Sydney de Grey, Taylor Granville, Marty O'Neil, Mildred Stoller, and Pearl Revere were seen to advantage, and for the first time on the local stage was a success. Shea’s Garden ager. Crowded houses greeted Della Fox, Jnly 15 to 20. Nat. N. Wills caught the audience in his tramp act. Midgely and Carlisle gave their kid act, and the Musical Johnsens made up the vaudeville, while “Fiddle-Dee-Dee” filled out one of the best bills of the season. Same old show, same big crowds to see “The Devil's Daughter’ at the Court Street Theater. Manager Wegefarth isn’t worrying about poor business here, and the features introduced each week makes the piece fresh and taking. At the Teck Theater ‘‘Constantinople” is doing a big business, and will continue throughout the Pan-American season. Star Theater opens by the Rogers Brothers. Lyceum Theater and the Lafayette Theater dark. Four nights of Grand Opera will be given at Convention Hall, Oct. 16 to 19. RICHARDSON. The Great Melbourne Show. Business on the whole has been good with us so far. The past week our afternoon houses were light, owing to the excessive heat and the fact that harvest is now in full progress. This morning we passed one of the fertile farms, abounding in lowa, and a square brick structure, interesting only because it was the old Orton homestead. Fred Martin has been laid up for a few days, owing to an injury to one of his eyes. While doing his swinging perch act a loop gave way, giving Ed Holloway quite a fall. The injury did not prove as serious as at first supposed, and after a few days he rejoined the company. Wm. Atterbury, our privilege man, has purchased a second pony, and now takes quite a pride in his matched span of Shetlands. Blanche Lewis has closed, returning to her home at Waterloo. Our band, under the leadership of Claude Gilson, is improving; the solos of Chas. Mourer, slide trombone, and Frank Wortinger, tuba player, during our evening band concerts, calling forth no little comment. Hoagland Bros. Railroad Show, containing twelve people and sixteen head of thoroughbr.d Kentucky horses, will open the season July 31 at Middletown, Ind. This show is making week stands, showing the different fair grounds and race tracks, giving the different races and athletic games of ancient Rome. The roster comprises Hoagland Bros., owners and managers; Chyan Elliston, late of the Ringling Show; Fred Cone, Jas. Fahy, Minnie Sultzer, rid= and a number of other strong feature acts. At the Frankfort (Ind.) Race Meeting among the special attractions will be the Hoagland Bros. Railroad Show, giving the different races and athletic games of ancient Rome. Notes from John Robinson’s Ten Big Shows. Who hasn't heard of John Robinson? From the shores of Canada to the Evergems his name has been a household word or lo these 59 years. Here's the latest, “just from Georgia.’’ A couple of untutored colored “‘gemmen’’ were discussing the identity of a picture of “Oom’’ Paul Kruger, the celebrated Boer President. Their opinions were still at variance when a mediator, in the person of Aunt Jemima, was called in. “Well, the igniference of some she ejaculated. “Anybody knows John Robinson.” While we are speaking of the Kruger family it is a pleasure to chronicle the return to the show of Miss Kittie Kruger. She has just been released from the hospital at Cincinnati, where for the past seven weeks she has been hovering between life and death with an attack of ves fever. Her many friends here are delighted to have her back again, and it will not be long before she will once more adorn the middle ring in her graceful and wonderful principal act. Not many visitors this week, but those that came found a hearty welcome. For instance, Mrs. Phil. Ellsworth, at Xenia, O.. was fairly overwhelemed with gladness, as well as Mr. Ellis, who found the “merry mit” among his old-time companievps, and tcany a pleasant werd from the “big wh.te folks’ when be acrved from Cincinnati in charge of a number of hanes. THE T. W. NOBLE CO. 7-13 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Mich. expert manufacturers of w»:GIRCUS CANVASES... and Tents of all kinds. 0 foot Tops and under carried in stock. Tents rented to state &Co.fairs -ople,”’ at’s ole Mention “The Billboard” when answering ads. Theater—M. Shea, man Se