YESTERDAY'S TOWNS

Passing

2009-10-19T12:42:00.003-04:00

Dear friends and family,
At 9:20 pm, October 18, William Neil Strong passed away in his sleep. It is what he wanted, what he wished for. Wishes do come true. He was surrounded by love. His wife of 50 years, Trudy and his son David and five dogs, were at his bedside. He was 75. Many of his friends and family have been visiting since his return from the hospital including his younger son Steven who flew in from LA. He mentioned how he enjoyed all the good words and prayers. He will be missed by many and was a great force in the Circus community. The fasinating history that he shared with us all, performer and gaujo alike, will stay with us forever. This blog was a passion for Bill and he was checking it as recently as Saturday. "Buckles, will have to pick up the slack", said Bill.
The 24 hour man sets the route to the next lot. Please follow the arrows Bill. You will find your way home. You will be missed.

In loving memory

~QUASSAR'S QUIZ~WHO ARE THEY????

2009-09-17T13:57:00.006-04:00

HERE ARE THREE CHANCES FOR YOU OLD-TIMERS TO IDENTIFY THIS TALENTED YOUNG COUPLE. I EVEN LEFT THEIR FIRST NAMES AS A HINT.

~JOANNE CALLING FROM THE NORWALK CONNECTICUT FAIR~

2009-09-14T16:53:00.007-04:00

Joanne, & Nellie Hanneford are working a little one ring show at the fair.

CAROL LUNDSFORD CHAPMAN

~FROM DAVID & DENISE GANN STRONG'S, "TWO STRONG PRODUCTIONS"~

2009-09-08T14:58:00.004-04:00

In case you missed my daughter-in-laws announcement on facebook, here is the official word.

~"FINALE"~ #2:

2009-09-07T22:06:00.006-04:00

~"FINALE"~ #3:

2009-09-07T22:02:00.013-04:00

~FROM LARRY RUHL~ SURF'S UP~

2009-09-07T21:29:00.007-04:00

I wanted to put these on yesterday morning, thought they would be a nice fresh start, but am still proceeding a little slow.

These beautiful images of waves were taken by Clark Little, whom many consider the premier photographer of surf.

He has deicated his life to photographing waves and has published a selection of the best images of his career.

Below he captures magical moments, "inside the tube", as surfeers say!

Sun . glints off wave
ClarkLittle/SWNS

~SURF'S UP #2~

2009-09-07T21:23:00.006-04:00

Sand . in surf
ClarkLittle/SWNS

~SURF'S UP #3~

2009-09-07T21:20:00.004-04:00

Tubular . shining
ClarkLittle/SWNS

~SURF'S UP #4~

2009-09-07T21:15:00.004-04:00

Beach . surf crashes down
ClarkLittle/SWNS

~SURF'S UP #5~

2009-09-07T21:11:00.004-04:00

Molten . liquid gold
ClarkLittle/SWNS

~SURF'S UP #6~

2009-09-07T20:41:00.005-04:00

White . tumultuous water
ClarkLittle/SWNS

~SURF'S UP #7~

2009-09-07T20:36:00.005-04:00

Splash . stunning shot
ClarkLittle/SWNS

~SURF'S UP #8~

2009-09-07T20:32:00.005-04:00

Red . mysterious shot
ClarkLittle/SWNS

~SURF'S UP #9~

2009-09-07T16:25:00.008-04:00

Break . wave crashes down
ClarkLittle/SWNS

~SURF'S UP #10~

2009-09-07T16:14:00.006-04:00

The See-Through Sea Shell
ClarkLittle/SWNS

~REGARDING LEO GASCA~

2009-08-06T20:41:00.004-04:00

IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR I RECEIVED A QUESTION REGARDING THE WHEREABOUTS OF LEO GASCA. I RECEIVED THIS, IN AN EMAIL TODAYI am Leo Gasca's niece. My uncle died about 3 years ago. He lived in California. He was married to my Aunt Josephine Gasca who passed away several years ago.

Joann

~The following came as a comment but I thought itn deserved better exposure.~

From Dave Price
Many thanks for this information. I am the one who had asked about Leo both here and on Buckles Blog.

What a great guy was Leo. In 1972 I think it was I was in a washateria in some now-forgotten town putting a poster in the window for the Hanneford show. There was no attendent but I put a panel date in the window and left a couple of tickets in a box they had there in hopes that the poster would stay or "live" as we called it.

There was a guy in there doing his laundry and he said, "What show is that for?" and I responded, "The Hanneford Circus." I was surprised when he then asked, "Which Hanneford?" and when I said "Tommy" he said he knew Tommy and his folks. So we got acquainted right there.

He was presenting an assembly program at a nearby school in town in about an hour so I went and found my wife Mary Jane and we went to the show, which by the way was excellent.

Leo invited us over to his trailer for supper. He said, "You bring the beer and I'll furnish the steaks, which sounded good to us so we took him up on it.

We visited many times after that, usually when he would come through here playing schools and after we got off the road. We were very fond of him and I regret his passing.

Thanks again, Dave

~FROM JOANNE~LOOKIN' BACK~

2009-08-06T07:37:00.007-04:00

Here we are 48 years ago and now. While we were in Gainesville we went to Billys house for some Bar B Q and talk about old times. Believe me, that between Billy and PeeWee there are some really good stories.We really enjoy our visits with him and his daughter Keely and his grandson Rob. Rob just turned 16 and is a great kid.

1961 GIL GRAY CIRCUSBilly Woods, Joanne Wilson, & Pee Wee Pinson

1963 POLACK BROS. CIRCUSBilly & Rosie Valentine Woods, Joanne & Pee Wee Pinson

2009Pee Wee, Billy, & Joanne

THERE'S A CORNY OLD SONG THAT SOME OF YOU MAY REMEMBER?
"FRIENDSHIP,,,,FRIENDSHIP,,,,IT'S A PERFECT BLENDSHIP,,,,WHEN OTHER FRIENDSHIPS HAVE BEEN FORGOT,,,,OURS WILL STILL BE HOT"!!!!

~PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT~

2009-08-04T18:22:00.007-04:00

AND IF ANYONE OUT THERE THINKS THIS IS A DAMN JOKE,,,,COME SPEND A DAY WITH ME AND SEE WHAT I GO THROUGH,,,,COME AND SEE WHAT MY WIFE GOES THROUGH,,,,COME SHARE MY "HELL"

~LIFE ON THE ROAD~

2009-08-02T14:33:00.003-04:00

HERE'S A SIDE OF OUR LIFE THE PUBLIC DOESN'T SEE. OF COURSE IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE THE VEHICLES OF YESTERYEAR COULD MOVE FAST ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE FOLLOWING SCENES, BUT THEY DID.

~LIFE ON THE ROAD~ #2

2009-08-02T14:30:00.004-04:00

~LIFE ON THE ROAD~ #3

2009-08-02T14:25:00.003-04:00

WITH TODAYS HIGH HORSE-POWER, & SPEEDS THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A "ROLLOVER", I GUESS BACK THEN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN JUST A "TIP OVER"

~LIFE ON THE ROAD~ #4

2009-08-02T14:23:00.007-04:00

I GUESS THIS COULD BE DESCRIBED AS OFF THE ROAD,,,,ON THE ROAD!

~LIFE ON THE ROAD~ #5

2009-08-02T13:37:00.005-04:00

NOW THAT'S A WRECK AT ANY SPEED!

~BEWARE OF STRANGERS BEARING GIFTS~

2009-08-01T13:51:00.005-04:00

Another unwanted dog with a new home, someone gave Joanne this, "sweet little female", a new addition to Wilson Dogs.

~MORE DENVER VISITORS FOR JOANNE~

2009-08-01T11:51:00.002-04:00

At first glance you might think this is Gail Barnes, but in fact it is her beautiful look alike Daughter,Cherie.
With her is her handsome husband Rick Weis and their adorable daughter Michelle. They attended the Sat. matinee show of Chitty in Denver and after the show I took them on a backstage tour. We had a very nice visit. She is just as nice as her Mom.

~JOANNE'S PHONE CALL FROM DENVER~

2009-07-31T17:20:00.004-04:00

David,Denise and Triston Strong, Trudy and Bill's son and family came to see the Chitty show Sunday and we went to their house after the show .David Bar-B-Qued and we stayed overnight in their front yard.We had a good time and it was great to see David. Enclosed is a photo of the 70 foot blue bear that peers into the Denver convention center. What a site !!

~FROM MIKE NAUGHTON~~BOOM A RING~R.B.B.B. GOLD UNIT AT CONEY ISLAND~

2009-07-30T03:47:00.011-04:00

Those of you who know me personally are well aware that I call it like I see it. So be it known that I had a hellavu good time at RBBB Gold under the Big Top.
Don't miss it, the show is turbo-charged with energy from the start to the end, the cast has personality plus, the band had my feet tapping several times and the "seen it all" New York audience is just eating it up. The applause is thunderous.

I attended the middle and last shows of a three show WEEKDAY schedule, the houses were 3/4+ full out of 2000+ seats. Those of you who know me also know that I know how to count a house! LOL.

I cannot wait to see it again! I hope RBBB at Coney Island becomes a regular thing because it will easily establish itself as a summer circus tradition as BIG APPLE is the winter circus tradition in New York City.

Two completely different styles of circus, two vastly difference demographics audiences in one big city. There's enough room for everyone. The Gold Unit is pure gold.

~BOOM A RANG #2~

2009-07-30T03:44:00.003-04:00

From the beer garden looking toward the reception tent or marquee. Many
tables are set-up for the patrons to enjoy a $6.00 premium beer or $6.00 glass
of wine.

~BOOM A RANG #3~

2009-07-30T03:39:00.007-04:00

Working his way through college on his summer vacation is Tyler Herriott
Koch at the outside Program Booth. Tyler is the third generation of the
American Circus dynasty to be associated with The Greatest Show on Earth. His
mother, Heidi, and sister, Cassidy, attend the mini-menagerie supplied by The
Commerfords. Heidi and Cassidy answer constant questions from the city-bound
New Yorkers. This interaction is very popular with the families. A mini donkey
was born while in Coney Island and has been named, "Cyclone" in honor of the
famous roller coaster.

~BOOM A RING #4~

2009-07-30T03:37:00.007-04:00

Just after finale the clean-up crew swarms upon the debris. The fast moving
crew has the place cleaned up in about 20 minutes.

~BOOM A RING #5~

2009-07-30T03:32:00.005-04:00

Suspended over the arriving guests in the marquee are several of Ringling
trademark animal blankets richly adorned with rhinestone, sequins and elaborate
appliques

~BOOM A RING #6~

2009-07-30T03:18:00.007-04:00

Massive air conditioning units keep pumping cool air inside the big top on a
hot and humid day by the boardwalk. The inside was as comfortable as being in a
theater.

~RRRRIIIINNNNGGGG~JOANNE CALLING FROM COLORADO~

2009-07-29T19:21:00.005-04:00

On our way to Denver we stopped in Silver Plume Co. where Tim and Linda Hamid live. We had a great visit and a lot of fun exploring the historic buildings in that town. Linda's son Shawn and his wife Virginia and 2 girls Claudia and Melissa live down the hill in Georgetown, where Shawn built the beautiful house they live in.
They all came to see the Chitty show on Sunday. We only had a 1:00 show,so after the show we went to David Strong's house to stay overnight. By the way Tim is starting to look just like his Dad !!!! Don't you think?

~THE HIGH SCHOOL OF WILD ANIMAL TRAINERS~BY HANS-JURGEN & ROSEMARIE TIEDE~#5

2009-07-24T22:27:00.022-04:00

~HIGH SCHOOL #6~FRANK CHARLES & EDWARD HENRY BOSTOCK~PAGE ONE~

2009-07-24T22:06:00.010-04:00

~HIGH SCHOOL #6~FRANK CHARLES & EDWARD HENRY BOSTOCK~PAGE TWO~

2009-07-24T21:56:00.013-04:00

~HIGH SCHOOL #6~FRANK CHARLES & EDWARD HENRY BOSTOCK~PAGE THREE~

2009-07-24T21:33:00.017-04:00

~PHONE CALL FROM JOANNE~AREA CODE 702~LAS VEGAS

2009-07-24T08:42:00.003-04:00

Here are pix with Casey Gibbs and his wife Renee.What a great visit we had with them. They have some horses and some mini horses and a dog and some chickens and a couple of cats. We fit right in at their place. Casey gave us a tour of his beautiful home and stable area. They also have a riding arena in back.We met Renee's mom, Joanie who is the sister if Marian Cristiani. She is a really sweet lady. David Chabira came by to go to dinner and we all went out and had such a good time, I forgot to get a photo with him. Sorry David !
I want to thank Casey and Renee for the great hospitality and hope to see you again soon And we will see David next winter.

~GRAN CIRCO AMERICANO~SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, 1966~

2009-07-23T22:53:00.003-04:00

~GRAN CIRCO AMERICANO~ #2

2009-07-23T22:51:00.005-04:00

IT IS A SHAME THE PHOTOS IN THIS LITTLE PROGRAM DON'T DO JUSTICE TO THE POWER-HOUSE LINE UP!

~GRAN CIRCO AMERICANO~ #3

2009-07-23T22:45:00.004-04:00

RINGMASTER LUIS VIGOREAUX; MARY RUTH HERRIOTT, DEPPE ELEPHANTS; MYRIAM FRANCE, SINGLE TRAPEZE; GOLDEN KIDS, UNICYCLES

~GRAN CIRCO AMERICANO~ #4

2009-07-23T22:40:00.005-04:00

HUGO ZACCHINI CANNON, COSMOS INCLINE MOTORCYCLE ROCKET, DOVAL HIGH-WIRE

~GRAN CIRCO AMERICANO~ #5

2009-07-23T22:32:00.005-04:00

FLYING ZACCHINIS, JOHN HERRIOTT'S PONIES, KIRBY'S CHIMPANZEES

~GRAN CIRCO AMERICANO~ # 6

2009-07-23T22:28:00.004-04:00

THE JIM WONG TROUPE

~FROM JOHN COOPER~ A FRICKIN' ELEPHANT!!!!

2009-07-21T13:09:00.004-04:00

A class of five-year olds are learning to read.
One of them pointed at a picture in a zoo book and said, "Look at this! It's a frickin' elephant!"
The teacher took a deep breath, then asked..."What did you call it?"
"It's a frickin' elephant miss! It says so on the picture!"

And so it does...
" A f r i c a n Elephant "

Now that's funny, I don't care who you are.

QUESTION FROM READER????

2009-07-20T23:22:00.002-04:00

I received this in an email today, does anyone out there have answer?
I met Bob & Wally Fishers, at Idlewilde Park, Pa. in the late 1950's but never met Clyde.

Could you tell me when Clyde Noble of the Flying or fearless Fishers
died? Also his wife's name. Thank you

????QUASSAR'S QUIZ~CAN SOMEONE NAME THIS MYSTERY ACT????

2009-07-20T15:25:00.003-04:00

This photo is from the personal collection of, "Camel John" Rusche, don't feel bad if you don't know who it is,,,,I don't either????

~THE HIGH SCHOOL OF WILD ANIMAL TRAINERS~BY HANS-JURGEN & ROSEMARIE TIEDE~

2009-07-19T11:55:00.019-04:00

If you are a Wild Animal Trainer, Presenter, or just a Fan, this is a must for your book shelf. It is the A~Z of Wild Animal Acts. Hopefully with the permission of Hans-Jurgen, & Rosemarie, I'll try to present a bit at a time of what I'm able to scan.

I will post only the text accompanying the photos as it is in German, there are enough words there similar to English, enabling you to understand names, dates, & places.

~HIGH SCHOOL #2~CHARLES & RITA ANTOINE~

2009-07-19T11:55:00.017-04:00

~HIGH SCHOOL #4~OLGA & VLADIMIR BORISOV~

2009-07-19T03:34:00.036-04:00

~JOANNE'S, "BUSMAN'S, OR 'BUSPERSON'S' HOLIDAY"~

2009-07-18T13:54:00.005-04:00

This time Joanne was doing the visiting!

I went to see the Ringling Zing Zang Zoom today for the 10: 30 am show. I visited with a lot of friends and got photos of these friends and a new acquaintance .Which is Christopher Thomas-Patty Zerbini's son. I say acquaintance because I think the last time I saw him he was a baby in a crib. And ( no I did not change his diapers) . The other photo is Hans Klose and my circus fan friend Jim Swafford. The 10:30 show was more then 3/4 full at the Honda Center, Big big building.

~FROM DAVID ORR~

2009-07-16T10:10:00.002-04:00

JUST ARRIVED 2009 - 2010 OABA ZEBRA PINS
Looking for Agents who would like to see animals continue in the circus. We presently have Agents but need more to continue with the 2009 - 2010 OABA ZEBRA Campaign Nationwide.

"Thank You" Barbara Byrd and Johnny Pugh for bank rolling the OABA Pins again this year. I will have a limited supply of the new ZEBRA pins this week end in Peru, IN. We expect a huge shipment of Zebra pins in two weeks. The Agents that are presently involved will receive their pins next.

DONATIONS: Bob Childress, Lewis & Clark Circus owner made and OABA Circus Unit Animal Fund donation this week in Pennsylvania. Between now and February - 2010 I will personally be contacting circus owners and animal presenters and owners for donations.
OABA / CFA Membership Applications can pulled up online or just ask me for applications or make your donation.

"WE NEED EVERYONE'S HELP" No Free Rides on the ANIMAL TRAIN.
information:
oaba.org - circusfans.org -
dpowhitetiger@aol.com

~FROM JOANNE ON "CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG"~ STARS OF THE SHOW~

2009-07-15T16:39:00.006-04:00

This is Dick Decareau who plays "Grandpa Potts" in the Broadway stage show,Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, now on tour in the US. With him is Samantha, aka "Edison", his side kick on stage. The two get along really well.
Samantha is part of a pack of dogs belonging to Joanne Wilson, that participate on stage throughout the show. There are 3 weeks left on the tour, Costa Mesa,Ca. Denver Co and Kansas City Mo.

~QUASSAR'S QUIZ: WHO IS IT????~

2009-07-15T08:17:00.004-04:00

When we were on the Vargas Show with Rex we wuold start reminiscing, & Rex would say, "I wonder what ever happened to,,,, "?

This member of one of the old American circus families was quite often the subject. "johnny" will come up with it ih a flash, what about the rest of you????

~THE CHIMPANZEE SHOW AT THE ST. LOUIS ZOO WAS KNOWN THE WORLD OVER, THESE SNAPSHOTS COME FROM AN UNKNOWN YEAR & TRAINER~

2009-07-14T17:59:00.007-04:00

I'M SURE SOMEONE OUT THERE CAN FILL US IN. HOW ABOUT IT JIM A.

THE PICTURES ARE FROM THE PERSONAL COLLECTION OF LONG TIME ANIMAL MAN, THE LATE JOHNNY "CAMEL JOHN" RUSCHE.

THEY WERE SCANNED FROM 3 1/2"X 2 1/2" SNAPSHOTS AND HAVE BEEN ENLARGED, SHARPENED & ENHANCED.

~ST. LOUIS ZOO CHIMPANZEE SHOW #1: ROLLING GLOBE!

2009-07-14T17:55:00.004-04:00

~ST. LOUIS ZOO #2: BICYCLES

2009-07-14T17:53:00.002-04:00

~ST. LOUIS ZOO #3: MATH CLASS?

2009-07-14T17:51:00.003-04:00

~ST. LOUIS ZOO #4: TEETERBORD

2009-07-14T17:50:00.003-04:00

~ST. LOUIS ZOO #5: THE BAND

2009-07-14T17:48:00.003-04:00

~ST. LOUIS ZOO #6: RIDING A MOTOR SCOOTER!

2009-07-14T17:46:00.004-04:00

~ST. LOUIS ZOO #7: PERFORMING PONY~

2009-07-14T17:40:00.005-04:00

ROLLING A BARREL!

~HAMID-MORTON PROP CREW AT THE HARRISBURG SHRINE CIRCUS BACHELOR PARTY, MID TO LATE '50'S~ HOW MANY OF THESE GUYS DO YOU REMEMBER????

2009-07-14T11:55:00.011-04:00

Left to right seated, Andrew "Fingers" Castle, cCircus Chairman Jim Allen, unknown, Ringmaster Charlie Basile. Back row, Raymond Miranda, unknown, Rusty Faucher, unknown, Leo "Coke" Coffee, "Wichita" Jimmy Coup,not sure,(possibly "Little Red"), Big Red, & unknown.

RUSTY FOUCHERStretching the net on Pat Anthony's arena. The last time I saw Rusty, he was working as a stage hand in Elmira, N.Y.~ "Big Red" wound up working in a Tuberculosis Hospital in NYC. where he had been a patient.~ "Coke" as many of you know later became Victor Julian's right hand man. Everyone asks whatever happened to Ray Miranda, but no one seems to know.

~THE HERRMAN'S ROYAL LIPPIZAN STALLIONS~ GREAT ADVENTURE AMMUSEMENT PARK, 1977~

2009-07-12T12:16:00.011-04:00

~A SALUTE TO THE AUDIENCE~

HERRMANN #2: SPECIALTY MANUVERS

2009-07-12T11:54:00.009-04:00

~THREE PRESENTERS DOING A SYNCHRONIZED LONG REINS ROUTINE~

~GABRIELLA HERRMANN, RIDING MYAKKA FAVAORI~

~HARRY HERRMANN~
~THE CAPRIOLE IN THE SADDLE~PHOTOS BY E.C. "BUSTER" BAILEY, ~WE MISS YOU BUSTER~

~HERRMANN #3: HARRY HERRMANN AT THE CIRCUS HALL OF FAME IN SARASOTA~ MID 1960'S~

2009-07-12T11:38:00.009-04:00

IN ONE SHOW WHILE PERFORMING CORBETTES,(A MANUVER IN WHICH THE HORSE JUMPS FORWARD WHILE ON HIS HIND LEGS), THEY FELL OVER BACKWARDS. THE HORSE WAS UNINJURED BUT HARRY SUFFERED A BROKEN LEG, HE REMOUNTED THE HORSE, FINISHED THE SHOW, THEN WENT TO THE HOSPITAL!

~COLE BROS. CIRCUS 1941~

2009-07-10T12:06:00.009-04:00

THESE GUYS NEVER GET ENOUGH CREDIT!

~COLE BROS. '41 #2: THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT~

2009-07-10T12:03:00.004-04:00

BAND MASTER
SOPRANO

~COLE BROS. '41 #3: THE PROGRAM~

2009-07-10T12:00:00.007-04:00

~COLE BROS. '41 #4: WE HAVE ACROBATIC TROUPES~

2009-07-10T11:56:00.007-04:00

THE NELSON TROUPE

THE REIFFENBACH TROUPE

~COLE BROS '41 #5: AERIALISTS~

2009-07-10T11:50:00.007-04:00

HERBIE WEBERI WAS STILL HERE IN 1941, WHERE WERE YOU?

THE RICH SISTERS

HAROLD VOISE'S FLYING THRILLERSI MAY BE WRONG, BUT I BELIEVE THE GENTLEMAN IS CATCHER, HAROLD'S BROTHER JACK.

~COLE BROS. '41 #6: HORSES~

2009-07-10T11:47:00.007-04:00

SHOW HORSES

PAMALINO LIBERTY HORSES?I ALWAYS LAUGH WHEN THE GUY IN THE COLE BROS. MOVIE BUT I GUEES HE GOT IT RIGHT OUT OF THE PROGRAM.

THREE RINGS OF HORSES

~COLE BROS. '41 #6 CONTINUED: AND MORE HORSES~

2009-07-10T10:01:00.011-04:00

~COLE BROS. '41 #7: AND OF COURSE,,,,ELEPHANTS~

2009-07-10T09:58:00.005-04:00

CHITITAI BELIEVE SHE WAS HERBIE WEBER'S WIFE. I'M SURE IF I'M WRONG SOMEONE WILL LET ME KNOW!

THE TRAINER IS LISTED AS ALONZO DEVERTHREE RINGS,PRESENTED BY MISS HELEN PORTELLO, MISS JEAN ALLEN, & MISS WANDA WENTZ.

~COLE BROS. '41 #8: CLOWN ALLEY~

2009-07-10T09:54:00.008-04:00

CHESTER "BOBO" BARNETTAS YOU KNOW, "BOBO" LATER CHANGED HIS MAKE UP TO TRAMP, IN MY OPINION HE, & THE CHARACTER FIT TOGETHER PERFECTLY!

OTTO GRIEBLING & FREDDIE FREEMANHERE IS ANOTHER ONE WHO FIT HIS CHARACTER, PROBABLY THE GREATEST TRAMP CLOWN OF THEM ALL.

THE CLOWN BAND

~COLE BROS. '41 #9: CONCERT,,,,WILD WEST

2009-07-10T09:52:00.005-04:00

~COLE BROS. '41" #10 ALL OUT & ALL OVER,,,,THIS WAY TO THE EGRESS~

2009-07-10T09:48:00.003-04:00

~FROM KIM SUE VALLA~OH,,,,MY ACHIN' BACK

2009-07-10T08:44:00.001-04:00

~RINGLING BROS. CLOWN WALK AROUND 1968~

2009-07-09T15:30:00.009-04:00

MARK ANTHONY, & BOBBY KAY, A LITTLE MAGIC.
KINKO, "LOST & FOUND"
PAUL WENZEL, WHAT TIME IS IT?
TIME TO GO FISHIN'

~AND NOW, A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS~

2009-07-09T15:23:00.006-04:00

FRANKIE SALUTO
GENE LEWIS

~CLOWN ALLEY DERBY: #1~ COMING OUT OF TURN 4 IT'S MARK ANTHONY & LOU JACOBS NECK & NECK~

2009-07-09T15:15:00.004-04:00

~CLOWN ALLEY DERBY: #2~ DOWN THE STRETCH, IT'S MARK ANTHONY BY A NECK

2009-07-09T15:12:00.003-04:00

~CLOWN ALLEY DERBY: #3~ THE WINNER IS MARK ANTHONY

2009-07-09T15:08:00.006-04:00

ALL OF THE ABOVE CLOWN PHOTOS BY E.C. "BUSTER" BAILEY

~FROM PAUL INGRASSIA~ REGARDING SERVICES FOR JUDGE DALE RIKER~

2009-07-08T19:42:00.003-04:00

I'm a little late getting this on but my "Infernal Machine" was down for 4 days, always manages to happen just before the weekend. This has been pretty well covered, but just in case any of you missed it.

As you would imagine there has been a lot of interest in funeral arrangements for the "Judge". His daughter Sally advised me today that the family had a service in Austin. All were present, including great grandchildren triplets and others. Hospice had very quickly provided a place for Dale and the family and he died surrounded by loved ones. They had the private service there,and a cremation. Evelyn and one of her children started to drive home to Sarasota today. Sally indicated Ev's desire is to have a memorial service and perhaps religious service in the Fall in Sarasota. I am sure that we will have plenty of advance on that event.

For those who might wish to send a card or note to the Riker Family, the address is:

Evelyn Riker
6973 W. Country Club Drive North
#152
Sarasota, Florida 34243

Sorry all of this has been in pieces but I knew that Dale would want the people that get this note to know.

Paul Ingrassia

~UPDATE ON DALE RIKER~MORE SAD NEWS~

2009-07-02T18:36:00.005-04:00

WE RECEIVED WORD THAT DALE PASSED AWAY AT 1:00PM CST. I HAVE NO OTHER DETAILS AT THIS TIME.

~FROM PAUL INGRASSIA: BAD NEWS~

2009-06-30T17:37:00.003-04:00

JUST RECEIVED THIS FORWARDED BY PENNY.

Subj: Bad News....Dale Riker
Friends....I am very sorry to advise that our good friend Dale Riker was stricken with what appears to be a fatal illness while on the road this week with Ev. He is in a hospital in Autin, Texas. Prognosis is not good and things are moving very fast. Fr. Jerry Hogan called me with this news a few minutes ago after being advised by one of Dale's children. He and I asks your prayers for this very great guy....Paul Ingrassia

~SERVICES FOR ROY HUSTON~

2009-06-29T20:11:00.003-04:00

SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, JULY 2ND, AT SOUTHERN FUNERAL HOME, ON RIVERVIEW DRIVE, JUST WEST OF HIWAY 301, IN RIVERVIEW. THE NUMBER, IF YOU NEED DIRECTIONS IS 813-671-3121.
VIEWING,,,,,2:00PM
SERVICE,,,,.3:00PM
FOLLOWED BY A "CELEBRATION OF LIFE", RECEPTION AT THE GIBSONTON SHOWMAN'S CLUB.

~MESSAGE~: FOR LILLY YOKOI'S DAUGHTER MONICA

2009-06-29T16:00:00.003-04:00

Monica,

Would you please email me at monkr63@hotmail.com? My wife is John Kim's niece and the family in Korea has been trying to locate him and Mary for many years.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Richard and Hyeon Ok Monk
Wilton, Connecticut

~FROM JOANNE: "CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG" GUEST BOOK~

2009-06-28T23:06:00.011-04:00

JOANNE & PEE WEE ARE IN DALLAS SO THEY'LL HAVE LOTS OF COMPANY THERE, HERE ARE TODAY'S VISITORS.

These are the 2:00 Sun show guests—Kay, a longtime friend of Shirley (Henry) Atayde, Cathy Hetzer, Shirley, and Joanne

The second photo is Cathy's husband Steve, Cathy, Joanne, Shirley, Pee Wee and the young man is Cathy's grandson Jacob. We had a great visit and Jacob was in heaven as I took them on a backstage tour and one of the stars of the show spent time with us and talked to Jacob a lot about the show Thanks Guys for coming to see the show.

~UPDATE~ O6/29/09: ~JOANNE & PAUL CREASON~For those who don't know Paul, he is a graduate of the "Gil Gray School Of Circus Experience", & "Paul Kaye Circus University". He is also a former Edmundo "Papa" Zacchini, "Cannonball".

~IN MEMORY OF: OUR GOOD FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR ROY "HUSTON" HUSTED~

2009-06-28T14:44:00.016-04:00

I received a call from Yuka today with the sad news that Roy passed away in his sleep during the night. I didn't get any details, except he had been feeling good in spite of some recent health problems. She would like friends to hold their calls for a couple days, I think we all understand that. Roy will surely be missed.

I always thought Roy had the perfect eyes for an Illusionist.

Roy & Yuka at the "Showfolks", seniors party a couple weeks ago.

I borrowed the following video & remarks are from the magic news website "itricks", hopefully with their permission, so it could be seen by his many circus friends. We live just across the street from Roy & Yuka & we have been friends for many years, we will miss him.

We’ve been informed that Roy Huston is no longer with us.
This video, produced only hours after word was released that he is no longer with us features some great old footage and what looks to be a recent interview with The Amazing Huston.
iTricks wishes to express our condolences to all friends and family.

FROM ROGER SCHULTE:
I am still in shock. It was a few weeks ago I had planned to stop by and see Roy but did not make it. My partner Melissa and I spend 10 years making the film Gibtown and Roy was the spiritual center of the film. He was a master of illusion not just on stage but with life itself. He knew that that this small place called earth is what you make it! He transformed any space he was in with his stories and imagination.
All I could do after hearing the news was try to create something fast from the footage I had and let my thoughts ride the road. Roy is a true artist and his life is the work that is displayed in the memories of all that met him. PLanet Gibtown will not be the same without you! Yuka my thoughts are with you.
Roger Schulte
FROM: MEL SHACHAT-EDMON
I will miss Roy very much. I had the honor of meeting him many years ago while making "Gibtown", the documentary on Gibsonton and its amazing residents. I am very saddened by the news, he was a unique guy, filled with laughter, talent, magic and always a great story to tell. I learned so much from him from the history of spook shows, to the great houdini, to the life of an illusionist (your really a furniture mover!)
RIP Roy, I'm sure your doin your magic in a special place. - Luv, Mel Shachat-Edmon

~FROM JOANNE: "CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG" GUEST BOOK~

2009-06-26T20:58:00.007-04:00

Gertie Craig is 89 years young. Kandra ( her daughter ) brought her to the theatre for a visit with us. Bill Gowan came by and we all had a great visit. Gertie looks great and I ask her if she would finish training my ponies for me and she said that she didn't have room for them at her place.

~RRRRIIIIIIIINNNNGGGG~ MUST BE JOANNE CALLING~

2009-06-25T20:06:00.005-04:00

i guess everything IS BIGGER IN TEXAS.
Joanne & a friend in front of the Natural History Museum at Fairpark in Dallas.

~QUASSAR'S QUIZ:FROM JOANNE????

2009-06-25T16:29:00.002-04:00

JOANNE DIDN'T GIVE ME THE ANSWER TO THIS, SO IT'S UP TO ALL Y'ALL! LOOKS LIKE A POLITICIAN, OR A LAWYER.

~FROM KIM SUE: THE AERIAL VALLAS~

2009-06-20T20:13:00.005-04:00

~THE AERIAL VALLAS~

THIS IS KIM SUE & VLASTEK, AT ALTOONA'S JAFFA TEMPLE SHRINE CIRCUS.

PHOTOS BY JUSTINO ZOPPE.

~FROM JOANNE: IT'S A SMALL, "BLOG" WORLD~

2009-06-20T19:34:00.003-04:00

This is Gino Zavatta. His Dad is Oglie and his mom is Irma. Irma was with the Sidneys bicycle act and their Unsupported ladder was "Irma and Rio" and their dog act was Zavattas dogs. Gino is head carpenter at this theatre in Tempe. Gammage auditorium.

~FROM JOANNE, & PEE WEE: A SPECIAL GUEST FOR LUNCH TODAY~

2009-06-19T22:38:00.006-04:00

OLD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD, & LOTS OF JACKPOTS,,,,GREAT COMBINATION.

~JOANNE & IVAN HENRY III~

~FROM JOANNE~:"CHITTY-CHITTY BANG BANG" GUEST BOOK.

2009-06-19T07:55:00.003-04:00

~TEMPE, ARIZONA~
~JOANNE WITH FORMER CWM BANDMASTER RICK PERCY,(RIGHT), & HIS SON J.J.~

~DELAYED, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN~

2009-06-18T23:55:00.005-04:00

THE FOLLOWING POST WAS SCHEDULED TO BE PUBLISHED ON WEDNSDAY, JUNE 17TH, UNFORTUNATELY I WAS UNABLE MAKE THE DEADLINE....
SO,,,,WITH MY SINCEREST APOLOGY, HERE IT IS,,,,DELAYED, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

~ A GARDEN OF ROSES & A BELATED BIRTHDAY GREETING, TO THE LOVELY LADY FOR WEDNSDAY JUNE 17TH~

2009-06-18T23:28:00.011-04:00