Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown Tipping Hat (1956) Chicago Show Print - Half Sheet
This familiar poster of clown Felix Adler in alternative makeup was used during the final appearance that Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey made under canvas in Philadelphia.
After the the movie The Greatest Show on Earth was filmed at the Broad Street showgrounds in South Philly, the show returned to that lot in 1952 and '53. In 1954, Ringling-Barnum moved back to the more desirable Lighthouse Field, returned in 1955 and for the last time in May-June of 1956.
As with much of the 1956 season, the stand in Philadelphia was marred with problems. The circus trains were late in arriving from Washington and, as the wagons started arriving on the lot, union organizers threw rocks at the canvasmen and others trying to set up the show.
The late start delayed the matinee until 5pm. There was only one entrance to the lot and it was ringed with union pickets, intended to influence show patrons and effectively keeping union truck drivers away from not only the circus but also the carnivals and independent concessionaires set up on the midway.
Memorial Day in 1956 was on Mon May 28, and although the show had great business over the holiday, the weather turned bad later in the week, keeping crowds away.
This post was submitted to Jackpot Junction by Chris Berry.
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