Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1951 ~ Madison Square Garden "Menagerie & Strange People"

Let's All Go to the Circus Today - The Greatest Show on Earth!
This visit was to Madison Square Garden version #3 which was constructed in 1925 and located on the west side of Eighth Avenue between 49th and 50th streets in Manhattan, on the site of the city's trolley-car barns. It was demolished in 1969 and today is the site of Worldwide Plaza, which was completed in 1989.
Outside of the Garden, a close up of the Marquee and the Ringling ~ Barnam signage announcing 2 shows daily 2.15 & 8.30 while the crowds of 8th Avenue mingle. The famous landmark restaurant “Mickey Walkers” is seen, owned by the boxer also known as “Toy Bulldog”, as is the “Hotel Capitol” also across 8th Avenue.
It’s a safe bet we are at the Matinee Show and it’s a good thing that much of this circus attraction has evolved today into an event more friendly to both animals and people.
The toys and souvenirs are at the entrance while the sign “Menagerie and Strange People Downstairs” greets you by the Giraffes and Monkeys.
Acts and Attractions:
Patricia the Sword Swallower downs a fluorescent tube much to the de-light of everyone (Patricia Zerm).
A group of Cuban Troubadours entertain (Roberto Reyes, Bertin Fernandez, Marcene Fellhauer, Margarita Fernandez)
The Tattoo lady would get a yawn today (Betty Broadbent)
Patricia shows off her impressive collection of swords.
A magician works the kids (Fred Harris).
Irene is an impressive 540lbs (Irene Parry)
Carmen, Trainer of Serpents with her giant Python (Josephine Helbing)
In the ring:
A lone clown, a live show band, Dancing Bears, a horse that does tricks with dogs, seals bouncing beachballs, Lady clowns (or is that drag?), the worlds greatest double bubble, the march of time, acrobats, showgirls riding Elephants (I do NOT recommend riding Elephants), a little person playing baseball, tightrope walking in a tux, riding a bicycle and backflips on the rope. More aerobics and more clowns, juggling, horses and super tall stilts. The show closes with Mrs. Luxury reclining in a horse drawn candelabra.
The Ringling Bros route book for 1951 is archived at the Milner Library of Illinois State University. It has lots of details about this performance and can be accessed here:
digital.librar...
Archived