THIS BLOG IS DEDICATED TO MY TWIN BROTHER, BILL DYKES (1943-1995). WE WERE NOT ONLY BROTHERS BUT PARTNERS IN BUSINESS AND BEST FRIENDS! AND TO ALL THE "BUTCHERS" THAT HAVE PASSED ON TO THE BIG LOT IN THE SKY!


CIRCUS NOW OPEN!

2014 Convention

SAVE THE DATES

SAVE THE DATES



Saturday, December 19, 2009

QUOTE OF THE DAY---

Laws are only words written on paper, words that change on society's whim and are interpreted differently daily by politicians, lawyers, judges, and policemen.
Anyone who believes that all laws should always be obeyed would have made a fine slave catcher.
Anyone who believes that all laws are applied equally, despite race, religion, or economic status, is a fool.
~John J. Miller, And Hope to Die

BRETT MARSHALL

Friday, December 18, 2009

CELTIC WOMEN AT THE NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

DAVID LARAIBLE IN ITALY








CORDTS SISTERS (1930's)

1930's





Walter & Annabelle Cordts


Jean, Kathleen and Margery Cordts
A portrait showing three members of the Cordt sisters, Jean, Kathleen & Margery, performing an acrobatic routine. They were from Wamego, Kansas.



June, Kathleen, Margery and Jean CordtsPortrait of June, Kathleen, Margery and Jean Cordts who were dancers, singers and acrobats from Wamego, Kansas, and performed around the state with the Wiziarde Circus.Date: 1930s

(from the University of Kansas Historical website)

Thursday, December 17, 2009


THOUGHT FOR TODAY (FROM JIM ELLIOTT)


A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
Thomas Jefferson

FROM AUSTRAILIA--

Wednesday, December 16, 2009


HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY BUCKLES & BARBARA!
THIS NEXT POST IS FOR YOU!
DICK

WOODCOCK'S ELEPHANTS---BIG APPLE CIRCUS 1992

CHOLE AGNEW---CELTIC WOMEN

POSTERS FROM THE PAST---
















REB RUSSELL #1---STAR OF STAGE, SCREEN & CIRCUS

1940's

1930's









REB RUSSELL #2--STAR OF STAGE, SCREEN & CIRCUS




Reb Russell performing his bullwhip act while employed by Downie Brothers Circus, unknown locationDate: Between January 01, 1937 and December 31, 1937


1943



1939

(photos from University of Kansas Historical website)


Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Dale Longmire passed away on Friday December 11, 2009 after a lengthy illness.

His family and friends were with him at this time.

Dale was active with both the Showfolks Club in Sarasota as well as the Showmen's Club in Gibsonton.

In fact he was the President of Showfolks Circus in Sarasota and held other offices besides. A wonderful clown and circus administrator, Dale will be remembered for his many kindnesses to people both within and outside the circus arena.

He was also an active member of the circus fans of the Showfolks Tent of CFA and recently spoke at one of the meetings.

Many of us will especially remember his fantastic costuming, his wonderful clowning on Ringling and Vargas, and just lately his administrative role with Walker Bros. Circus handling their office management.
(from Showfolks of Sarasota website)

KELLY-MILLER PHOTOS #1 (5.16.2009)

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO -
The Loveland Arts Council brought to town the Kelly Miller Circus on Friday.
May 16, 2009 (Loveland Magazine)















KELLY-MILLER PHOTOS #2 (5.16.2009)

















AMUSEMENT BUSINESS 1984

Wayne Chambers loaned Me this copy of the Amusement Business Magazine
I found it very interesting and I hope you will too!
Note there's been a lot of changes in the past 25 years to
our business.
(Some I beleive not for the best!, What do you think?)






AMUSEMENT BUSINESS 1984







Monday, December 14, 2009

DALE LONGMIRE (FROM CIRCUS VERN & PETE ADAMS)

Dale Longmire passed away on Friday December 11, 2009 after a lengthy illness.
His family and friends were with him at this time.
Dale was active with both the Showfolks Club in Sarasota as well as the Showmen's Club in Gibsonton. In fact he was the President of Showfolks Circus in Sarasota and held other offices besides.
A wonderful clown and circus administrator, Dale will be remembered for his many kindnesses to people both within and outside the circus arena.
He was also an active member of the circus fans of the Showfolks Tent of CFA and recently spoke at one of the meetings.
Many of us will especially remember his fantastic costuming, his wonderful clowning on Ringling and Vargas, and just lately his administrative role with Walker Bros. Circus handling their office management.
As more information is received, it will be passed along.------------------------------------------------------------ Pete Adams circusp@comcast.net


FROM GIOVANNIU LAGORIO IN ITALY--


It's a great pleasure for me to make my first visit to the private museum of Dr. Alain Frère in Tourette Levens, where I made some interesting pictures of the history of the circus and its best artists. For all Circus lovers all the photos are visible on http://www.gio591.com/ of course at the Circus page.Best regards Giovanni Lagorio

Sunday, December 13, 2009

POWERS GREAT AMERICAN SHOWS, NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR 2009

Great American Show Office Complex

Les"Corky" Powers, owner
Powers Great American Shows

Wade Shows was also there with Powers


Somehow this got in with the Raleigh Pics
This Motordrome was at Minneapolis





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