Circus Historical Society - Favorite era of circus history

9 Dec 2021 8:47 AM

Message # 12180294

Bruce Hawley (Administrator)

Many historians focus their research and study on a particular time and place in history. What is your favorite era of circus history? Tell us why.

Last modified: 9 Dec 2021 9:22 AM | Bruce Hawley (Administrator)

9 Dec 2021 9:34 AM

Reply # 12180368 on 12180294

Bruce Hawley (Administrator)

My favorite era of circus history is the 1950s because it was a major transition point in circus history. Due to the passage of time, there is a tremendous amount of objective circus, economic, social, and general American history research available to help explain why the circus industry changed so much during that era.

Last modified: 9 Dec 2021 9:36 AM | Bruce Hawley (Administrator)

10 Dec 2021 9:39 AM

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Harry Kingston

Mine would be the 1930/s as there were many circuses around and alot going on. Especially 1938 with many closing and lots of action from Ringling and Cole Brps.

10 Dec 2021 9:45 AM

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Anonymous

Right now! I had some great circus experiences in years past (all 60 of them), but that was then, this is now. There are many great young circus artists today to whom THIS is their "golden age of the circus"!

10 Dec 2021 12:43 PM

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Paul Holley

No particular era - but have always been interested in the circus advance (routing, booking, billing/promotion). As one show manager once told me: "If we have a good date, we can say it's because the show always does well there. If we have a bad date, we can blame the agent." :)

10 Dec 2021 3:41 PM

Reply # 12184304 on 12180294

David Carlyon

The Jacksonian Era (1820s-1850s) because that was the start of circus as a national institution AND American folklife. (I know most histories feature the Gilded Age corporate giants but that mostly expanded what the earlier age created.)

Also the 1970s, because that's when I worked as a clown with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus (before they dropped "Circus").

10 Dec 2021 9:58 PM

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Logan Jimenez

I love the late 70s to 80s. I am really excited about right now. Circus is growing and changing quicker than most people realize. According to my counts there are more big top shows in the country right now than the last few decades. The fact that we have water shows, traditional shows, Mexican shows, an ice circus, adult themed circuses, and more is really exciting.

10 Dec 2021 11:47 PM

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Scott Bryan

Ringling 40's

11 Dec 2021 10:36 AM

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Kevin Foster

I’m fascinated by the railroad shows of the 1930s. The shows, their equipment, acts, and the people who made it happen. 1938 is such a pivotal year and was so hard on circuses that it grabs my attention the most. The long title, smashing together so many great circus titles really is amazing: “Al G Barnes, Sells-Floto, John Robinson Combined Circuses with added Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Features.”

11 Dec 2021 10:49 AM

Reply # 12185606 on 12180294

Chris Berry

The 1920s when John and Charles Ringling were kings. A six pole big top, 100 railway cars…Leitzel, Corona, May Wirth and Bird Millman. Radio and talking pictures were in their infancy and the circus was massive, even spreading “jazz” across America with PJ Lowry’s sideshow band.

If the 1920s roared - so did The Greatest Show on Earth!

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Favorite era of circus history

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