History of Circus World
Circus World: 1940’s – Today
As the days of railroad circuses began to fade, John M. Kelley, personal attorney to the Ringling brothers, retired to Baraboo. He saw the necessity to preserve the history of the circus and joined with members of the Gollmar Family, the Ringling’s first cousins who also owned a circus. They incorporated in 1954 as Circus World Museum and began raising funds to open a historical and educational facility at the original Ringling winter quarters. Following Circus World’s opening on July 1, 1959, the site was deeded debt-free to the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.
In 1960, Charles Phillip “Chappie” Fox became director of the tiny Baraboo museum. Knowing there were scores of 19th and early 20th century circus wagons laying in disrepair across the United States and Europe, he championed the acquisition, preservation and restoration of these vehicles. With help from Ben Barkin, and sponsorship by the Schlitz Brewing Company, The Great Circus Parade® was established to both shine a spotlight on the wagons and Museum, plus fund acquisition and restoration of still more wagons.
Succeeding Circus World directors, ardent donors, and dedicated staff advanced Circus World by acquiring spectacular collections, original Ringling structures and land. Summer circus performances, along with other programs help interpret the colorful stories of the American circus; bringing the glorious traditions of this art form to life.
Today, Circus World is revitalized by a spirit of cooperation and renewed interest. New exhibits are being designed, constructed, and installed, original Ringling structures are being restored, exciting live programs celebrate rich circus heritage, and electronic media offers opportunities for Circus World to reach globally.
What began with less than an acre of land, six old circus wagons and a trainload of passion, has now become an internationally recognized and respected institution encompassing 64 acres, 30 permanent structures, seven winter quarters buildings along Water Street, plus the Ringling Bros. Circus Train shed complex, and over 260 spectacular wagons. Circus World has been called Wisconsin’s National Treasure.
PHOTO GALLERY
CWM entrance 1959
A 1960 view of Circus World Museum... a colorful banner line at the front entrance, 2 buildings, 6 wagons and some exhibits. Live circus entertainment has also been a part of Circus World since it opened in 1959. Notice the footbridge over the Baraboo river which had just been constructed by Wilbur Deppe, who owned a lumber yard and trucking firm on Water Street.
Circus World in 1964.
The Moeller Hippodrome in 1962. Built to house the circus performance, it did so until the early 1970s. Pictured are ringmaster Paul Luckey and Ethel Romelfinger providing musical accompaniment on the Hammond organ in the band loft.
Three of the wagon restoration gentlemen who completed over 100 circus wagon restorations... Ernest Zimmerly, Marv Gauger and Leonard Perkins.
Johnny and Mary Ruth Herriott came to Circus World in the winter of 1963 with experience and knowledge, an ability to train and present animals for the show, as well as a passion for circus history. John and Mary Ruth raised 4 girls in Baraboo and stayed at Circus World Museum until 1969. During their tenure, Johnny produced a new show each season, and created a wide variety of animal acts, including horses, ponies, dogs, elephants. Mary Ruth helped Johnny, presented dog acts and along with her girls, presented aerial acts.
Carl Bergner (pictured), often assisted by his wife Maida, tackled most of the fine art, sign painting and decorative embellishments on wagons and wheels.
Elephants performed many important tasks on a circus including loading wagons onto the train as demonstrated in the 1960s
This jeep and tram toured through Baraboo, pointing out various circus sites, including final resting spots in Walnut Hill Cemetery.
The grounds and wagon crew in 1978 - Leonard, Marv, Chuck, Tim, unidentified, and in the front is Harold "Heavy" Burdick who began working seasonally and volunteering at Circus in 1974. Heavy was asked to join the staff in 1978, (he's been with Circus World for 44 years), and heads the wagon restoration department.
Circus World moved the circus performance to a big top tent in the early 1970s; located where the Fox Wagon Restoration Center is today. Pictured are 4 of the 8 band members who played traditional circus band music for the performance, Jimmy Williams (aka Happy), and a first of May ringmaster - Dave SaLoutos. Dave had also worked for the concessions department in 1973.
Talented craftspeople continue to restore priceless circus wagons and artifacts today like Bernie Hotzel pictured here.
