The former FISHER BROS. drummer had recently purchased an air operated calliope and he was having great fun learning to play it. I had always wondered how folks who practice on giant carillons and loud calliopes could avoid hitting clunkers that would be heard far and wide. That day I heard lots of clunkers and I have them on tape to prove it. If you look closely at the above photo, you can see the pipes of the calliope between the red curtains inside the white trailer.

Music inside the big top was provided by another calliope. The fellow who played it also acted as announcer and ring master during the show which featured clowns, jugglers, aerialists and even a rolling globe act. The Circus was definitely worth the price of admission. Needless to say, I'm happy that I still have a sound recording of the entire performance.

Turn to the next page and see KELLY-MILLER SIDEWALLIN' AT WESTLAND

Or you may go back to the CIRCUS INDEX