Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1943

Madeline loved the circus!  She took her grandchildren several times and since we always lived far from home because of being in the Army, she would send money each year to take the boys when the circus came to town.  One year when we lived in Kansas I purchased our tickets so early that we had almost front row seats.  The boys loved it and we received a special visit from the clowns.  Madeline loved the circus so much that I think it was fitting that she took her great grandchildren to see the big show a short time before she passed. 

I discovered this program for the 1943 circus in a scrapbook of her college days.  Enjoy!

The cover in beautiful color.

A poem by Edgar Guest.

Why we love the circus.

The flying Wallendas.  I loved them.

Circus animals.  I remember taking our boys to see the elephants before the show.

Clowns--who doesn't love them?  (Well, Kramer for one.)

I thought these were amusing.

To learn more about the 1943 circus here is a great website to visit.  The Circus Historical Society (never knew there was such a thing!) is full of great information.