Search the Wisconsin Historical Society's collections

Searching for

Refine by

Results 1-20 of 30

Photograph

Circus Performers and Animals

Date: 
Description: Fred and Ella Bradna, equestrian director and performer for Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey. There are several other performers and a dog, relaxing in t...
Photograph

"Bumpsy" Anthony, Circus Clown

Date: 
Description: Circus clown, "Bumpsy" Anthony, stands in front of a tent.
Photograph

Clown in Polka-Dotted Suit

Date: 
Description: A clown wearing a small hat with a feather, a polka-dotted suit, and large gloves, stands near a tent.
Photograph

Spader Johnson the Clown

Date: 
Description: Spader Johnson dressed as a clown.
Photograph

Circus Performers

Date: 1935
Description: Circus performer Harriet Hodgini, sits on the gate of a truck helping Otto Griebling, a circus clown, apply his makeup.
Photograph

Clown in the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus

Date: 
Description: A clown in the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus standing outside a tent near a wagon, with his left hand holding onto a tent rope. He is wearing a beret-style hat,...
Photograph

Clowns with Circus Performer

Date: 
Description: A group of 11 circus clowns poses with a pretty young female performer in a circus tent. This could possibly be part of a movie set.
Photograph

Circus Performers Astride Horse

Date: 
Description: Five circus performers, female and male, sit or stand astride a horse with a tent as a backdrop.
Photograph

Ringling Circus Wagon and Clowns

Date: 1910
Description: A Ringling Circus wagon, pulled by a horse, with clowns riding on top, is part of a parade along a city street.
Photograph

Circus Clowns in "Clown Alley"

Date: 
Description: A group of 20+ circus clowns posing informally while preparing for the ring.
Photograph

Chinko the Juggler

Date: 
Description: Chinko The Juggler balances a large portrait of a woman on his head.
Photograph

Ringling Brothers' Circus Clowns

Date: 1901
Description: Two early Ringling Brothers' circus clowns, whose photographs appeared in the "Ringling Annual" under a section titled "Last of the Old-Time Clowns".
Photograph

Circus Group

Date: 1892
Description: A large group of circus performers and personnel, including a clown and band members, pose in front of a tent.
Photograph

Norris & Rowe Circus Personnel

Date: 
Description: A group portrait of Norris & Rowe circus performers outside a tent at winter quarters, including clowns, riders, and high wire performers.
Photograph

Circus Clown Sitting on Donkey

Date: 1909
Description: A circus clown sits astride a donkey outside a tent.
Photograph

Circus Performers Astride Horses

Date: 1899
Description: Two horses stand next to each other in front of what may be a painted backdrop of a tree-lined street. A male circus performer stands in the center holding...
Photograph

Circus Performers with Mule

Date: 
Description: A male circus performer stands lengthwise on the back of a mule, while a female circus performer stands on the ground next to them.
Photograph

Circus Billboard

Date: 08 1901
Description: Professor Oscar John Schendel is pictured with a violin and bow in a billboard advertising "Schendel's All Star Vaudeville, Big Three-Ringed Circus, and Ma...
Photograph

University Circus

Date: 12 15 1913
Description: A horse-drawn wagon, filled with University of Wisconsin students dressed as clowns, proceeds along a Madison street as part of a parade. Spectators line ...
Photograph

George Forrester at Ringling Circus

Date: 1953
Description: Madison Mayor, George Forrester, seated in the front row of the audience at the Ringling Brothers Circus. Clowns entertain the children seated near Forrest...

Have Questions?

If you didn't find the material you searched for, our Library Reference Staff can help.

Call our reference desk at 608-264-6535 or email us at: