The Billboard 1911-03-25: Vol 23 Iss 12 (1911-03-25)

The Billboard MARCH 25, 1911. 1OWA MOTHER OF GREAT CIRCUS MEN. (Continued from page 5.) | For six seasons in a swing they did not roll up a wet top. Nothing could break that sort | eof luck, They made money so fust that be fore the older showmen of the country knew it these lowa Reubens demanded recognition by hiring first-class executive heads, but they early developed a habit of having a Ringling | to meet with every dollar going and coming. | No one else connected with the show handled any of the bil.s or accounts There were no | jieakages. A Ringling took in the money, and a Ringling paid it out. Old-timers called it a *gilly-show,’’ because they were not permitted to flirt with the company’s exchecquer. They forbade all manner of graft—an entirely new | custom on circus lots. That phase made them popular with the public and unpopular with old showmen. The “Grampian Hills’’ of McGregor were too inadequate for wagon show beadquarters, 80 they took their aggregation over to Baraboo, Wis,, where the original show still winters. The first reverses experienced by the Ringlings came | following the great wet season of 1892, when the route books registered sixty-six consecutive days of rain. The money condition of the country was in very bad shape about that time, but prominent Wisconsin capitalists got behind them and to the surprise of the older showmen in direct competition, the Ringling Brothers weathered the rough storm and came out the following season fresh and ready for another try at stern old fate. Their present rating tells the tale better than words, After the death of James A. Bailey the Ringlings took over .ae Barnum and Builey Show, and the Forepaugh-Sells Shows, and by so doing have amassed the largest amount of circus properties ever gotten together under one management. Several years ago the Leon Washburn Show wintered at Belle Plaine, but it did not have much prominence. The last big wagon show to claim Iowa connections was the F. J. Taylor Show, of 1891, owned: by Hon. Francis J, Taylor, of Creston, now representing Union County in the present legislature. Tne Taylor Show was one of the best little shows that ever toured the state, and had among its performers the now world-famous riders, “‘Stick’’ Davenport, and his equally famous sister, Miss Mary Davenport, the great New York Hippodrome feature. Mr. Taylor fol | by the old veteran, George Jolnson, who was | wins, Lashellers, Aherns, and all that old gang | of kinkers that gained fame from the tricks of | that George Johnson is every inch a showman. |}one desires to absent himself from the whirr lowed the ambition of all show owners who gain success with wagon show starts, and in the season of 1892 took out a railroad, that ran into the financial crash of the time and was finally abandoned by him. I have often wondered if the residence of Johnny Lambright in Creston didn’t have.a great deal of influence In inducing Mr. Taylor to venture inte the circus business. Mr. Lambright had been many years | boss hostler of the W. W. Cole Show before accepting a lucrative position with the American Express Company at Creston. of Mr. Taylor's old friends in the city they may find him at the Wellington Hotel. the same gentleman that he.ever was on or off the lot. Incidentally, I wish to mention the name of J. B. Gaylord, still another Independence man who gained fame in the show business. Mr. Gaylord, in conjunction with Hyatt Frost, came. into possession of the old: Van Amburg name, and for several years this twain made a business of organizing circus companies under the title and thereby assuring themselves of good managerial positions as long as the trick lasted. The last time they hypothecated the Van Amburg title was in the late 80’s, when they suceect in leasing it to the rapidly coming Ring ngs. But the Ringlings soon recognized the fact that the name of Van Amburg was more of a hoodoo than of value, for the reason that it carried with it ancient and careless business methods, and they soon got rid of it and its adjuncts. For my part. I never could fathom the value # name might have over the destiny of a show, inasmuch as most of the shows adopting those old tithes were unsuccessful. However, along this line one might consider that the Buchanan Shows, now wearing the tame of Yankee Robinson, are exceptions to the rule that has followed the disastrons finishes of the companies that have fallen for the old time names. I believe that the Buchanauv Shows have been conducted on business lines that would have made them just as successful If there are any | UP : as they have been under the fictitious appella| tion. Some of the old school showmen seem to be iInfatnated with the false tmpresston tnat the public follows a name. The public will follow a great name for a time, but four or five years’ absence from territory works wonderful changes in the memory of people. For Instance, the Rarnum & Balley Shows were five years in Europe. During that time the Ringlings invaded the East, with the exception of New York City. The Barnum Show returned to the scene of its former triumphs in’ 1903, and went into winter-quarters that fall a loser for the first time In its long and eventful history. The name did not draw because five years had developed a new lot of showgoers, who were in tonch with the times. and cared little for a name, The presentday showgoer wants auality rather than reputation. The Forepaugh-Sells falinres have demonstrated the truth of this statement. The Ruchanan Shows are successful becanse they are nnder Ruchanan management. The Yankee Robinson Shows were all dismal fallures because they were under Robinson managenent that could pnll them through. There never was a successful Van Amburg show in this conntry after the original ceased to exist, and T don’t recall a misnamed show that was a business success with but this single exception of the Ruchanan Shows. Buchanan Was a successful showman before he adopted the name of Yankee Robinson. , Of course. the adoption of these old names meets the approval of oldtime show folks, but they do net contribute anything te the front door, and “‘lot’’ praise isn’t worth a continental the way the ghost walks. The fact is patent to all showmen that the most successful shows of the past half century are those that have toured under their own legitimate title< Adam Forepough was a big winner: the Sells brothera took the Hi Marks aggregation under their management while they were engaged in operating traveling notion wagons and conduct ing a street anctioneering bneiness, and giving it their own name made a great business; the Ringlings passed up’ the Van Ambure false alarm and won renown; Barnum & RBallev cast sside the title of Howe, and met with unlimited prosperity. The list is a long one. In the old days before rapid transit had made it possible tor the fublic to familiarize itself with the show business, those old names might have had some weight, but in this day the only requisite to success in the show business is a good, clean entertainment and practical bualness methods for the government of its execu| tive affairs, abetted by propitious weather con| ditions. There is little doubt of success crowning this sort of investment—the name does not amount to much to the public until thoroughly established. But it is as the Yankee Robinson shows that we must deal with the Buchanan enterprise | that is now the biggest thing of its kind in| lowa-—the home of big things in America. A half hour’s ride on the electric interurban to Perry brings one to the winter quarters of | this permanent Iowa show. While it is a bit) early, still there is considerable activity at the winter quarters. ° The barness is being put in first class shape a Cole show trouper for years, commencing his circus life in 1876. Uncle George is a typical old-time showman, Since the centennial year he has lived in a cireus atmosphere, and when it is remembered that he came from Quincy, Illinois, the home of the Guyers, Bald agility they taught themselves in the sawdust pile of the old ice houses, it is little wonder In his quiet, inoffensive, unassuming way George is a character worth cultivating when of modernism. An hour’s visit with George Johnson brought back to me a flood of memories that 1 had forgotten. Days of clems and joys, of disaster and prosperity, of sunshine and mud, of bygone friends that are dead and gone and others who may be living in prosperity or adversity. George is simply a working member of the Yankee Robinson forces, but his good old head has kept many a youngster in better balance and made a better showman of him than he might have been if otherwise surrounded. These old-timers are valuable for what they know of their departments, and many an owner has profited more than he knows of through their valuable experience in minor details. Another character 1 met at the Yankee Robinson show quarters was Fred Gay, clown and general uti-ity man. Gay was once one of the most prominent exponents of the handcuff act, touring the United States with moflerate success and gaining much fame in the show business. Gay is a bright and intelligent fellow, a good conversationalist and a companionable acquaintance. He is not given to self-laudation, but might well be: termed a. beoster. He has not had the best of luck, but as he is not old he has an expansive future before him if he will accept it. One of the real old timers I met out there Sunday was an old ‘property man of the name of Gibson. He has been connected with all of the big shows. He was in Europe with the Barnum Show for two ‘or three years, and bas * all the chara ‘eristics of the genuine ‘‘bump A The animals are looking fine, and the elephant, Old Tom, under the supervision of ‘Whitey’? McGuire, is doing better than he has during any winter for years. McGuire is a firstclass animal man, as the condition ef his stuff testifies. John Bord, master of transportatiou—in real circus lingo he is known as ‘‘boss of the razorbacks’’—has been busy ‘all winter getting: the cars in shape for the long summer campaign. There will be about thirty cars this season. Jake Posey, of Cincinnati, will be boss hostler. The baggage stock and ring stock, by the way, are looking exceptionally fine. A new lot of racing horses are to be added to the hippodrome festure this season, as Mr. Buchanan was not satisfied with this feature last season. While I am talking about the stock I want to, say that the boys at the farm pointed out an old mule and asked me if I remembered it. I didn’t, and they told me that it was Ab. Johnson’s old trick mule that he used to ride with the “Joe Hep’? Show (Lemon Brothers). fn 1892-93. Ab. Johnson is the clown feature of the Rhoda Royal Show, that will soon exhibit at the Colisenm. Charlie Kellv, of Danbury, Conn., will be boss canvasman this season and Orville Speer chandelier man Blacky Williams will be boss props, and George Martin twentvy-four-honr man. George Davis is in charge of the cook house, Vernon Reaver, of Des Moines, is treasurer: Ed. L. Brannon, contractor; W. H. Quinette, advertising manager. Woody Van is bandmaster, with thirty-five pieces. Charles Sweeney is equestrian director, and Earl Senate inside ticket manager. Mr. Buchanan's enterprise is sure of success. His lavish spread of paint this spring will bring the show out in gay colors and adds to its attractiveness. The roster of performers is not vet complete. but will consist of a splendid array of talent. The cook house opens March 1, at which time all members will assemble to ore. pare for the summer tour. ‘ . FAIR NOTES. (Continued from page 5.) The Coney Island Harvest Home and Fair will be held at Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio. Ang. 24 to 26. Inc. It is expected to be hetter natronized than ever this year. as it will not be hampered by low water. The Fall Festiva! and Merchants’ Carnivalwill be held In connection with the Harvest Home and the neval pop ular Raby Show at the end of the fair, is exnected to meet with more favor than ever this year. Commodore Rrooks has been superintendent of the Baby Show for many years. The management of the Alexandria Fair. which is one of the oldest in Tennessee and which has held thirty-eight successful exhibitions in as many years, are planning to enlarge their grounds, It has been their aim to obtain land adjoining their grounds. but until last week all efforts have been unsuccessful. as the owners would not sell. It is situated in the business portion of the town and to this it claims its senccess. The dates of the fair are Ang. 31 to Sept. 2. The Knox County Agricultural Soctety of Mt. Vernon, 0., will hold tts annual fair from Sept. 12 to 15, inclusive. It will be slong the line of education tn all departments for the farmer. and the concession and amusement will he very good. Racing will he one of the features of the fair this year: It Is stated by the anclety that they had the fastest half-mile racing In the State last vear, and they are going to try and keep that record. The Montgomery County Fair will be held Sept. 48. Greater prepara at Dayton, 0O., tions are being made than ever before. Purses for races will be increased, making $7,500 in all, increased premiums for live stock and all other exhibits. Special premiums for school children displays and agricultural exhibits will be of fered. Special free attractions will be secured and all plans are being formulated to make this year eclipse all previous fairs ever held in the countv. H. V. Hendrickson is president and George K. Cetone, secretary. The Calleton Co. Fair Assn., of Walterboro, |S. C., will hold their fair this year from Nov. 7 to 10, ine., the last day being set aside for the negroes alone. They state their premium list for the comine season will be even larger than last year. Following are the officers of the association: Paul Sanders, president; J. D. Miley, vice-president; Jas. W. Lucas, secretary. The Rockland County Industrial Association, New City, N. Y., write that with the help of the ladies’ auxiliary connected with the associa tion they expect to bave a record-breaker this year. With good racing and attractive agrlcultural exhibits they expect to have unusual attendance, helped along with very good con cessions and shows. The dates are Aug. 21 to 24 Richland County Fair Association, Wahpeton, N. Dak., report that they intend to make im provements to the amount of $10,000. These include a new sidewalk, a poultry building, merchants’ exhibition building, new horse barns and a woman's building. The race and amusement program will be the best in the association's history. Sept. 26, 27, 28, 20 are the dates set. The Eaton County Agricultural Society of Charlotte, Mich., renort that their fair is held in a strictly agricultural community. They are trying to interest as many farmers as is possible, to make exhibits. Their aim is to have as large and interesting a show as the county can produce, and a race meet that can not be surpassed by any fair in the vicinity. Dr. A. K. MeComas of Sturgeon, Mo., was elected president; £ . Lee of Mexico, Mo., | vice president, and Dr. M. 0. Biggs of Bowling Green, Mo., circuit secretary. It was decided to have the circuit open at Higginsville Aug 1-4, Sturgeon Aug. 8-11, Bowling Green 15-18 and Mexico Aug. 22-25. The management of the Mercer County Agri cultural Society are getting ready for their forty-fourth annual fair, to be held at Stoneboro, Pa.. Sept. 18 to 21 inclusfve. The usual fair exhibits will be held, namely, agricultural, farm implements, poultry, fruits and flowers and a ladies’ handiwork exhibit as an added feature. The Scott County -Fair Association of Georgetown, Ky., report that they will hold their fair and horse show, July 25-29. this season. They are going to have a big pou'tre and floral ex hibit «and expect to show some of the finest horses in the State. The amusements will also be a prominent feature. The Worcester South Agricultural Society of Sturbridge, Mass., write that their racing will be a feature this year. It has been decided to run a steeplechase and a _ riding-to-hounds. Many of the good home horses are expected to | enter Among the added features will be a balloon ascension. It is reported that Jamestown, 0., will not have a fair this year. and R. G. George. the two men who formerly backed this enterprise, have separated, Mr. Gal vin going to Lima, 0., where he is editing the Horse Journal and also secretary of the Ohio Racing Circuit. The Carbin County Fair is to be held at Lehighton, Pa., Sept. 26 to 29 inclusive. The | society has improved the race track and put up a number of fine new buildings. The beet in the concession and show line will be secured. Every inducement will be made to horsemen to enter their horses Preparations are under way at Fonda, Ia., for the coming fair Aug. 1 to 4. The Big Four Fair Association that has charge of the fair report that the race track and grandstand will receive improvements and that privileges and conces isons will be under the direct charge of the | secretary At a recent meeting of the Watertown Inter. Co. Fair Assn., Watertown, Wisc... H. Wert helmér, was elected president and C. N. Harte secretary. The fair dates were settled upon: | being from Sept. 19 to 22. Ine. This season's management is going to make many improve ments. A fair grounds for South Bend. Ind.. is sow practically assured. An ordinance is now be fore the City Fathers. giving the local street railway company permission to lay their tracks to the proposed site. Work on the buildings will be commenced promptly. The Humboldt County Agricultural Society, of Humboldt, lowa, report that they will spend S500 on free attractions. The agricultural exhibits will be better than last year and should attract the farmers of that vicinity. The fair dates will be Sept. 11 to 14, The fair dates of the East Kent Fair As sociation of Thamesville, Ont. Can.. are as follows: Oct. 2, 3. 4. The association claims to have the best race track In America. and the second day of the fair will be set aside for rac ing exclusively. The East Peterborough Agricultural Society of Norwood, Ont., have fixed their fair dates for Oct. 10-11. Their prize list has been re vised and enlarged and the directors are sparing no pains to make this exhibition a record breaker. The Lear Co. Fatr Assn. of Leavenworth, Kan., report their fair dates Sept. 4-5-6-7. The Association is putting forth every effort to make the fair this fall the best yet, and they expect thirty thousand visitors alone on Leavy enworth Day. The Marshalltown Fair Association, of Mar Shalltown, Ia., are making extensive Improve ments on both grounds and buildings. Thev will feature amusements this year. The fair dates are September 11-15, inclusive. The Waldo and Penobscot Agricultural So ciety ef Monroe, Me., state they will have the usual farm exhibits and attractions, and are going to feature ‘the automobile races and ball games. The dates are Sept. 12 to 14 inclusive. The Umais County Fair will be held this sea son within the corporate limits of Clayton, New Mexico, and is a combination agricultural and racing meet. The fair will be held Oct. 3 to 6 inclualve, The main feature of the Basin, Wyoming, Fair will be the agricultural exhibit and the Wild West show. Their races will be open to all and their premiums will be very liberal this season. Messrs. W. G. Galvin | Work has begun on the grounds for the annua) Nelson Fruit Fair, to be held at Nelson, British | Columbia, Canada, Sept. 26, 27, 28. The direc | tors will book the best procurable attractions The Montpeller Pair and Driving Association Montpelier, Ind., bas developed more into a race | meet than anything eise, racing being the only | feature. Their dates are July 18 to 21 inclusive The Herington Fair and Racing Association | of Herington, Kan., will hold a six-day race meet only, on July 17 to 22 inclusive. J. A. Durtiel. of the Elmore County Fair As | soclation. of Mountain House. Ida.. writes that they will hold no fair this season. The Central Missour! Short-Ship Circult wa | oes in Bowling Green, Mo., Feb. 8, 1911 CARNIVAL NOTES. The Portland (Oregon) Rose Festival will be held this year the second week in June, whep , all the roses will be in full bloom. This is one ;of the most beautiful and dazzling exhibitions | ever witnessed. More than five million roses are | used to decorate the automobiles and different | floats, and the water carnival is a Venetian phantasy. Over $100,000 is spent annually to | produce this beautiful pageant. Portland ep | tertains over a quarter of a milion visitors each | year who come to witness this affair. | Harry C. Chapman is ticket man for the James | Jungle Show which opened at Uniontown, Pa., | Feb. 4. With each ticket bought the patrons were handed a novel souvenir. Chapman, on see ing a pleased patron coming out, would remark. | ‘Ab, he has a bird which never failed to bring |a laugh and new business.”’ Mr. Chapman closes | with the jungle show April 18, as he has signed | with the Forepaugh and Sells Brothers for the coming season. | The Brown Carnival Co. played a week's stand jat Busk, Texas, February 27-March 4. and Messrs. Brown and Younger, the proprietors, | invited Col. Goodfellow, the warden of the State | Penitentiary, to attend with as many of the is mates ashe could allow to see the performance It certainly was a treat for these men. | Texiwana and Company. Indian wonder workers | and itiusionists, will go to their home at Bliss. | Okia., for a few weeks’ rest in the spring, after | which they will join some wild west how. | They are now playing Sefton and Sherman time | through Michigan. | The following are showing on the midway with the Wild West Illusion Show now playing at the Insular Fair, San Juan, Porto Rico: fesse Cherry, Fa; Girl, Prince Atto, Midget and | Mazzeppa, the educated horse. | The Coyle brothers expect to open their car nival show about June 1. They will carry two cars, 6ix paid shows, with the usual concessione. They expect to play one, two and three-day stands. Blake and Willard report a succesefu) winter season for both their Nos. 1 and 2 Ani mal Circus Shows, and will soon combine for the coming summer season, The vaudeville team of Hayes and Sinclair [—_ The Two Hayes) will be seen the | commg season with The Great Campbell Bros.” | Circus, | Richard Scott, who has for five years been cop nected with the great Porter shows, has | up as bead porter under the management of C. F. Kennedy. NOVELTIES — JEWELRY SPECIALTIES | Singer Bros.’ New Book of Specialties | The Best Catalogue in the Trade If you are a Concessionalre, Novelty, Jewelry, Notion or Fair Worker, Canvasser, Streetman, Auctioneer, Kpnifeboard Man, |] Hoop-la Game, or General Merchant, you |] cap not afford to be without it. i It contains full and complete lines in new|} est Novelties, Souvenirs, Watches, Jewelry |} Fountain Pens, tical Goods, Pocket an |] Table Cutlery, Yankee. 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SHEEHAN, 4 Oliver Place, Everett, Mass. RIVERSIDE rar: THE ONLY ONE IN INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA Space to Let. Come and see. Seven Years Successful Operation. ip answering ads, mentions THE BILILROARD.