Sunday, May 31, 2009

JOMAR - Origins

I found the Blueprints shown here on a Pullman Coach website. You can double click the image to enlarge it. The JOMAR private car was named from the first two letters of John, the first two letters of his wife, Mabel, and then the R from Ringling.

JOMAR - 1967

These next three were taken by good friend, Bernard Fleck in Venice, Florida in Feb. 1967.

JOMAR - 1967


Taken in Venice, Florida in Feb. 1967.

JOMAR - 1967


Taken in Venice, Florida in Feb. 1967.

JOMAR


The JOMAR under way of it's restoration project. Don McGarvey kept a diary about the efforts that went into this project. You can find it at http://doyleintl.com/circus_pot_jomar.htm

JOMAR


This is the three main souls that put as much energy and effort as they could into trying to restore the JOMAR. They are Joseph Melancon, Foreman Bob Horne, & Don McGarvey. Bob Horne had actually been fortunate enough to find the original stained glass windows in a junkyard somewhere.

JOMAR - Oct. 2008

This picture and the next were taken by Tim Davison. They were on Buckles Blog in January of 2009. One article I found on the internet says there are now three RBBB cars beside them. Does anyone know if that is correct?

JOMAR - Oct. 2008

I got this from Buckles website. ( January of 2009 ) The information I have been finding generally says there was a concrete floor for noise reduction. Any moisture that got in it, resulted in the rusting out at the bottoms of the car as seen in these photos.

World of Mirth


I picked up a few Billboards a couple months ago. This map was in a 1943 or 1944 issue. I found it interesting in that there are several cancellations due to the war effort. I remember that Cetlin and Wilson recieved a commendation from the US Govt. for their sales of War Bonds. They had a joint set up on the lot selling nothing but War Bonds.
( You can double click it for a nice large image )

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Circus Historical Society


The March / April issue of the Bandwagon is out and what a dandy it is. The Circus Historical Society is the ONLY organization offering a complete review each year of every show on the road. This year offers 20 pages in reviewing all the shows on the road. There is an ibcredible article about being on the RBBB train. There are 6 pages of photos from the Steve Albasing ( aka John Heck ) collection while he was on Ringling Bros. in 1911 to 1917. Also included is a fantastic short story about concessions logistics, and locations.
Anyone can visit the Circus Historical Society's website at http://www.circushistory.org/ There is a ton of information for anyone to see. You can even join the CHS at the website via Paypal using a secured pay site. Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!

Circus Historical Society Convention - 2009

The 2009 Convention is coming up soon in Milwaukee. The great part about it is you don't have to be a member of the Circus Historical Society to attend the convention if you want to. As in years past, there will be a meet and greet social mixer, two days of incredible talks on different facates of the circus by some of the most renowned Circus Historians in the world, the annual banquet featuring John Ringling North II as the guest speaker, the Lakefront circus on Saturday evening as presented by Mr. John Ringling North II, and the amazing Great Circus Parade on Sunday as it rolls through downtown Milwaukee again.

Anybody can double click on the form and print it to send it in. This will be a fantastic experience. You don't want to miss it!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Elephant Survey

I got this from John Goodall today!

Should circuses be forced to stop using elephants in their acts?
MSNBC
How you voted
Yes. Elephants are harmed physically and emotionally by performing.
No. Elephants are an essential part of the circus tradition.
No. But circuses need tighter regulations on how they use the animals.
Total of 10,893 votes

32.2% - Yes. Elephants are harmed physically and emotionally by performing.
3,510 votes

50.9% - No. Elephants are an essential part of the circus tradition.
5,548 votes


16.8% - No. But circuses need tighter regulations on how they use the animals.
1,835 votes

Display Comments: (Feb - May, 2009)


No. Elephants are an essential part of the circus tradition.
The 3 choices are loaded. How about "No because they are treated well"? That's our responsibility -- to treat animals well.
#1 - SJTepper
Elephants live a better life in the circus than they do in the wild.

#2 - Marty-360326
Having dealt with both the circus and the so-called animal rights "activists", I will side with the circus.

#3 - concerned in Central FL
here we go again. a bunch of animal activists screaming about something they dont like. just remember when you donate money to these groups

#4 - guillaume 1637
These same people complaining about the treatment of elephants, will violently protect their RIGHT to murder an unborn child.

#5 - Kirk-790853
Please give me a break, these elephants are being taken care of by the Feld family better than if they were in their wild enviorment.

#6 - graycliff
It's to bad allot of the activists Dogs aren't treated as well as Circus Elephants I know they leave them locked in a room all day.

#7 - Elvin-865441
-RBBB has long been involved in conservation efforts and cares for all their animals well. May not be true for all circuses but is for RB.

#8 - Linda-451803
Of course elephants should be treated with the same kindness one would expect to be given a family pet. And yet we're compelled to insure t

#9 - Gadgetman
Performing animals are treated by their human family so much better than they would be treated by a poacher in the wild.

#10 - FL Fan
Elephants are intelligent, majestic, and sensitive creatures. Ringling does an amazing job at helping us all understand that!

#11 - better to know
HOW ELSE IS A CHILD TO LEARN ABOUT THIS AMAZING ANIMAL...GROWING UP AROUND THEM WAS AMAZING MY KIDS NEED THE SAME EXPERIENCE

#12 - JCTTJE
These so-called animal rights groups are only after publicity. Ringling has done more to benefit animals than those groups EVER will.

#13 - ishcabibble
Elephants are vital to the circus experience, as are horses, dogs and human clowns, who seem to enjoy the environment and travel just fine.

#14 - Suz-865945
Ringling Bros does NOT abuse animals! The protest groups refuse to accept the genuine affection that exists between animals and trainers.

#15 - GothamTomato
Not that they are essential but they certainly enjoy the stimulation that is required to learn and perform these behaviors

#16 - elephantfan
They should train the activists... but they are nearly impossible to educate! Too many freaks and not enough circuses!

#17 - Dave-866085
People want and expect to see elephants when they go to the circus. These animals are the bread and butter of the circus and need 24/7care

#18 - Wayne Scheiner
How about "No. Most circus elephants receive excellent care, including healthy mental and physical exercise."

#19 - lionden
Circus elephants provide an amazing experience for people. At Ringling they are extremely well cared for and loved like family.

#20 - Kris13
Elephants and humans BOTH benefit from their use in circuses. Animal "rights" groups are epic monuments to ignorance and bigotry!

#21 - chacho rat
No, elephants are a tradition with the American Circus. Circuses are regulated on the Federal & State Level & must meet the guidelines set

#22 - Gordon MacKay
No, keep up this foolish behavior and soon we'll be freeing the goldfish! Stop spending so much time with PETA and tend to your children.

#23 - TeamGarcia
It's so hard to even find an elephant to show my kids. Elephants MUST stay in the circus. How else will the next generation know them?

#24 - Animal Fan
Better security to protect all animals from the eco-terrorists that harm in the name of saving these wonderful animals

#25 - Ed Webber
our children need to see them, and circuses are the only plase for that, besides, people take really good care of them

#26 - dyrak
RBBB Circus is probably the BEST organization that takes care of their animals, including elephants. They're an example for others to follo

#27 - The Captains America
Elephants need mental stimulation and exercise, which Ringlings offers. The Ringlings handlers and vets are respected world wide.

#28 - Stuey10
As a one-time circus clown, I can attest that the animals on circuses are treated with the utmost care and respect.

#29 - Michael Karp
My uncles job at the circus sleep with the elephants to keep PETA from shooting at them with pelet guns to get a rise out of them to video

#30 - tracy-471375
Maybe elephants LIKE performing in the circus...Can you tell they don't ? ...you blithering liberal idiots...

#31 - Zen8Master
How are these creatures harmed? They are fed well, Its like saying that you are harmed in working for your paycheck...

#32 - http://patsfanczar.newsvine.com/
the people that are complaining are the same people in the video they show!!!and ignorant people believe what they show. get more info!!!

#33 - ramos1-938249

.Elephants are trained using positive reinforcement not negative (i.e. they get treats, not punishment). Learn what you're talking about.

#34 - gebtordon
If we can't have elephants, how about the animal rights activists entertain us with tricks while keeping their mouths permanently shut !

#35 - tw-601157
Animal activists shove outdated video and photos down the throats of America. The circus takes better care of elephants than most zoos.

#36 - zookeeper-1121542
Elephants are well cared for! It's the activists that mislead everyone with their lies. Pay no attention to them! Take a child to the circuS

#37 - Barb Moore
RBBB does more to protect the elephants than abuse them. Do some homework, there are conservations provided for them!
#38 - Matthew Holst
Caring for circus elephants is a 24/7 job. They are not going to harm or injure one of their greatest assets.
May 20, 2009

Monday, May 25, 2009

Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day Services in Chesterfield County this morning meant going indoors with all the rain. After the traditional reading of the names, 57 more veterans names were read who passed away in Chesterfield County since last year's Memorial Day Services.

Happy Memorial Day

Rememberances and RESPECT!

Happy Memorial Day

The laying of the wreath.

Old Milwaukee Days


1963 saw the first of a string of Circus Parades in Milwaukee due in huge part to the collaboration of Chappie Fox of the Circus World Museum and Robert Uehlein, the owner of the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Co.
This poster was a gift to all the participants of the parade and was signed by Chappie Fox.

Old Milwaukee Days


This is from 1963, the very first year of the Schlitz Circus Parade in Milwaukee.

Old Milwaukee Days


This was from 1964. I don't have one from 1965 which would have been the first time the old World of Mirth railcars were used to bring the wagons to Milwaukee.

Old Milwaukee Days


This is from 1966.

Old Milwaukee Days

This is from 1967.

Old Milwaukee Days

1968 became a legend in the Parade Historical Archives. This brochure like all the others contained the parade route. The train rolled to Milwaukee. The showgrounds were all set-up and the festivities were underway. However, civil unrest made the likelihood of spooked horses and other calamity's a very real possibility and the Parade never rolled through Milwaukee this year.

Old Milwaukee Days


This is a second brochure that was created for 1968.

Old Milwaukee Days


This is 1969. Sorry I don't have one from 1970.

Old Milwaukee Days


This is 1971.

Old Milwaukee Days

This is 1972.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

More Elephant news!


The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, TN. reports that one of their original elephant co-habitants, BUNNY, died on May 14th, 2009. They then lost NED, an Asian male on the next day May 15th, 2009.
While the many arguments for better or worse will continue for many years to come, loosing 5 elephants in fourteen months isn't the best track record in the world for their fundraising.

NC Zoo


I took Sylvia's three grandchildren to the NC Zoo in Asheboro, NC yesterday. It is a huge natural wildilfe designed zoo. Each and every exhibit for the large animals is more than anyone could hope for. While the Zoo is huge, the variety of animals is slim. All in all, everyone had a grand time.

NC Zoo

This was the only signage I saw, however there were note books throughout the zoo telling about the individual animals. There was one available about the elephants but I couldn't get to it with the crowds that were there. ( If you double click the photo, it should enlarge enough to read. )

NC Zoo

The NC Zoo in Asheboro, NC is home to a herd of African elephants. They recieved Artie, a breeding male, Tonga, a producing female, and Batir, ( a female ) Tonga and Artie's calf from Scott and Heidi Riddle in late 2007. These three joined Rafiki, a breeding female, Nekhanda, a female, Little Diamond ( a female on loan from the Knoxville Zoo ) and C'sar another Male. When we were there yesterday, I could only see five elephants.

NC Zoo


NC Zoo


NC Zoo


NC Zoo


NC Zoo


NC Zoo


NC Zoo


Fake or Real? It was in the grass along the walkways. I suspect Fake as anyone could get near it.

Dear Fellow Bloggers

There are those of you that will understand perfectly!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Pat Cashin's Blog


Let the songs of praise begin. Pat's blog has been RECOVERED! Go to Pat's blog for all the glorious details. http://clownalley.net/

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Ringling Museums


Here are a few shots from the Ringling Museums in Sarasota, FL. as they looked back in the early 1960's. There's been a lot of changes made since then.

Ringling Museums


Ringling Museums


Ringling Museums


Ringling Museums


Ringling Museums


Ringling Museums

Notice the seat wagon. It doesn't exist anymore.

Ringling Museums

This was in 1963.

Ringling Museums


This was in 1963.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Hagenbeck Wallace Circus


This particular image was on the back cover of a Bandwagon magazine issued by the Circus Historical Society. The rest of the posters have all been found over the years on eBay.

Hagenbeck Wallace Circus


Hagenbeck Wallace Circus


Hagenbeck Wallace Circus