Circuses

ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin

Circuses

1848

06 20 First [or one of the first] circus comes to early Watertown.

1861 Sands Circus coming to Watertown

1866 Frank J. Howes Champion Circus / Bill stand posted on Cole Hall, Second and Main

The circus has made greater use of illustrated posters for advertising purposes than any other type of amusement or business enterprise, and this fact has prompted the frequent use of the descriptive phrase "billed like a circus" in referring to the extensive use of poster advertising. During the golden days of the circus from 1880 to about 1910 a number of printing firms thrived in filling the insatiable needs of the big outdoor amusement enterprises. In 1866 the Frank J. Howes Champion Circus posted this bill stand for the Watertown, Wisconsin stand. http://www.circushistory.org/Bandwagon/bw-1973Nov.htm

1894

1906

06 28 Watertown is faring well this season in the way of amusements. Already we have had the Gollmar and Habenbeck circuses. But that is not all. There is more to come.

Geo. W. Madden, general agent for the National Amusement Company, is in the city paving the way for the appearance of his company which will be on a street carnival here the first week in August under the auspices of the Eagles.

The National Amusement Company is one of the strongest on the road and will arrive here eighteen cars strong. The company is receiving flattering press notices from all sections of the country and Watertown is assured something first class. WDT

1910 Campbell Brothers Shows

1915 Circus Parade

1915, August 19, Main Street, Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth

1967 Circus Parade

Ervin Coughlin, Milwaukee Circus Day parade

1983 Gerald Schubert, “In love with the Circus” Title of 02 15 1983 article in Wisconsin State Journal

Cross Reference:

Seibel Brothers Dog & Pony Show