This week saw the passing of an era. The final performances of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus were held in New York and Rhode Island. I won't get into the political, or the politically correct reasons for its demise. It is what it is. But as it comes to an end, I am reminded of another way living in Florida enriched my life.
Gibsonton has a colorful history. At one point it was the only post office in the country that had a counter for dwarfs. Unique zoning permitted residents to keep elephants and circus trailers on their lawns. I've been through Gibsonton many times and I don't remember ever seeing an elephant, but carnival trailers are still quite prevalent! Giant's Fish Camp, located on the Alafia river was originally owned by Aurelio Tomaini, the "Worlds Tallest Man" at 8'5". Al owned the motel and fish camp until he passed away in 1962, but the camp is still operating today.
100 years ago, word that the Circus was coming to town was big news. The Big Top pulled into town on the train, or in circus wagons, set up their tents, performed and then moved on. Children couldn't wait to see the animals perform inside the big tent.
Circus goers thrilled to the high-wire acts and laughed at the antics of clowns. Some dreamt of running away and joining the circus, traveling from one town to another; a life of adventure, and excitement. For performers, animal trainers, high wire acts, the circus could be a life of romance, adventure and hard work. But for the Side Show performers it was a life that offered a community that accepted them, and a way to earn a living that was unavailable to Siamese twins, giants, dwarfs and fat ladies or those with strange deformities .
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus performed every January in Tampa as a kick off to their season. Since Janice's birthday was in January, we often celebrated her birthday with a night at the circus.
The modern circus had evolved to include new technologies, blending new acts with the standard animal acts of roaring tigers, bareback stunt riders on beautiful horses, and of course the famous elephants.
No longer held in a tent, it still held the magic and excitement of 100 years ago. The expression "3-ring circus" came to life. The sights and the sounds-- blaring music, bright lights, popcorn, straw on the floor-- added to the wonder.
The Ringmaster held everything together as your eyes moved from ring to ring. One act was in motion while another ring was being set up for the next act and a third ring was cleaning up from the last.
And all the while clowns, and clown cars kept your attention as the acts transitioned.
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| Ca'd' Zan |
If you are ever traveling through Sarasota, take the time to visit Ca'd' Zan, the winter home of John and Mable Ringling. It is a triple threat, or triple Treat of a 1920's era mansion, quite large art museum and a fascinating Circus museum. The house is beautiful, as are the grounds. The museum, also on the grounds with original art and statuary, has quite a collection of Rembrandt's, Rodin's, Botticelli's and other works of art brought back from annual trips to Europe. However, it is in the Circus museum where you get a real feel for life on the road under the Big Top; the number of people it took to pull off the magic, how they managed to feed all of them, the importance of the black smith and iron workers and leather workers, the organization and the self-sufficiency of the entire company!
There is a season for all things. Nothing lasts forever. Even so, I am sad to see the end of this era. It was an amazing part of Entertainment history, and the history of the 1900's. I'm glad my children got to see it. It will be up to them to pass the memory on to their children, because never again will we hear the words:
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!"
Ironic timing. A circus just came to town for one night last week. We did not go. Politics aside, if I could have my kids see Ringling once, I would. This other circus is a last minute low budget job. They don't advertise ahead of time; just give the school tickets for the kids (free with paying adult) a few days ahead. The past few years were very hot and all I heard about it were complaints of stuffiness and heat. This year the temp was beautiful but I had concerns about such a low budget circus act, especially one advertising "beutiful" girls on it's tickets. Their typo, not mine! My MIL took my niece and nephew. She was not impressed but kids seemed happy. They started late (it was scheduled for 7pm on a school night which was already late enough for us since we'd had 2 late nights that week already and my kids were tired) and 4 acts, only one the kids could remember. MIL mentioned they kept coming out to sell products during the performance and the clown told inappropriate jokes. Disappointing for a circus whose only advertisement was with the school! I'm glad we passed, but I do have fond memories of Ringling.
ReplyDeleteAnd, when Beth and I went for trail rides near Gibsonton we did come across a few elephants in backyards that butted up to the reserve. The horses were not impressed! It was quite a new smell for them and a little alarming to see on our quiet ride with no warning. We never had any issues though and the elephants were clearly used to people and horses. I believe they were way more comfortable and less surprised than we were!
I didn't know you came across elephants there. I think that's cool.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry the little circus that came to town was so poor, but I think that's what most people will get to see. With all the other entertainment opportunities kids have today small circuses will have to work a lot harder to have any success.
I'm sure the original Barnum and Bailey wasn't all that hot either, but it was the most original entertainment people had in those days. I think Ringling had the juggling, high wire type acts along with some animals. B&B had the sideshow acts along with some animals. In 1919 they merged their two shows into one big circus.
Small circuses might avoid the attraction of Peta and animal rights groups, but they still fight all the other entertainment opportunities for kids today. It will be hard to compete.