Poster Exhibit at the Big "E"

This incredible 2 sheet flat poster was produced in 1894 by the Strobridge Litho co. for Barnum & Bailey's "Greatest Show on Earth". It was provided by Mr. Paul Ingassia. Many of you may know Mr. Ingrassia as a CHS member, former Director of the Great Circus Parade for years and a major spokesperson of the OABA animal fund.

Poster Exhibit at the Big "E"

This is a one sheet upright from the Erie Litho Co for the 1932 Sells-Floto Circus. This poster was on loan from the Paul Ingrassia Collection.

The Circus Museum at the Big "E"

Fairgoers can enjoy the Circus Museum, located in the Hampden County Building, featuring miniature scale recreations of circus wagons, carousels and carnival midways, acrobats, a side show announcer, hand-painted banners and memorabilia as well as a hand carved replica of Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus tent show in 1946.

The Circus Museum at the Big "E"

This Leon Washburn original poster was produced by the Donaldson Lithograph Co. While the colors are not very brilliant, the poster was just exquisite. This one would be pre-1900 as Leon Washburn was out of business by 1900 having sold almost everything by then.

The Circus Museum at the Big "E"

The Circus Museum at the Big "E" is a permanent facility with a full 1/4" scale layout of the old Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey show and many showcases with a 3/4" scale parade, acts, the Midway, cookhouse, and the train loading. This showcase is for Dave Merrifield's trapeze under a Helicopter routine.

History of the Big "E"

The Eastern States Exposition, known as the Big "E" has a fascinating history behind it. You can read all about it at http://www.thebige.com/about_history.html This short series of Eastern States Exposition poster photos were taken inside the Brooks Administration Office at the Fairgrounds.

History of the Big "E"

History of the Big "E"

History of the Big "E"

History of the Big "E"

History of the Big "E"

This was a real nice three poster set all framed together. It wasn't dated but there are more days to the Fair than in the 1958 poster so I'm guessing these were from the 1960's.

Wednesday at the Big "E"

Wednesday was a full day at the Big "E" Fair. The morning began with a bus delivering the CHS attendees to the front door of the Hanneford Big Top where a full breakfast was served. Also in attendance was the CFA Wayne McCary tent, model Builders and OABA members.

Wednesday at the Big "E"

This is the interior of the Hanneford Cannobia tent. Speaking to the crowd after breakfast were Wayne McCary, Paul Ingrassia, Robert Johnson from the OABA, and Dan McGinnis of the CFA tent.

Big "E" Super Circus

The Big "E' Super Circus was a one hour show performed three times a day for the 17 day run. Opening the show was Johnny Peers with his comedic capers followed by the Flying Pages. Johnny Peers did three or four turns. A Dog act was presented but was not Johnny Peers. Also not shown in a photograph but well worth the memories was a couple of young ladies from Armenia who did a contortion act where one bent her self over backwards and laid herself flat on a table and worked herself into a glass box which was no more than a 24" x 24" x 24" cube. The second young lady then did the same thing and manuevered herself into the box already containing the first young lady so that both of them were contained in this glass box. Truly a fine exhibition.

Big "E" Super Circus

As many of you know, getting good quality photographs in spotlight conditions isn't very easy. This act was simply titled "Fusion". I have seen statue acts before but this couple was incredible. When she bent over backwards in high heels no less, and he then did a hand stand on her, the entire audienced winced in agony. They were fantastic!

Big "E" Super Circus

This amazing show was complimented by the grace and dazzling beauty of Sylvia Zerbini and her horse / lyre routine.

Big "E" Super Circus

The elephant act featured four of the Carson & Barnes elephants.

Big "E" Super Circus

Big "E" Super Circus

Big "E" Super Circus