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May 22, 2025 ~ FAIRMOUNT PARK IS OPENED FOR SEASON.

May 22, 2025

FAIRMOUNT PARK IS OPENED FOR SEASON.

Attendance Record Broken on First Day; Concessions Draw Well.

The amusement park season in Kansas City began yesterday when Fairmount park started on its summer cycle. Despite the threatening weather of the morning the sun came out brightly in the afternoon, and with it came throngs of pleasure seekers. By 7 o'clock last night the park's attendance record had been shoved up several notches and at closing time the turnstiles registered several thousand admissions more than on any previous opening day.

The crowds patronized all concessions freely. Probably the band concerts in the amphitheater and the balloon races over the lake received the most attention. The studio of the Fairmount Feature Film company was one of the places of greatest interest. Several special scenes were photographed for the opening crowds. It was the first opportunity many had had of witnessing the production of a "movie." The dance pavilion, Fairmount Inn, and the children's playgrounds were largely patronized.

The sea beach was not opened yesterday on account of the cool weather, but boating was popular. Fairmount Park is to be managed this year by Sam Benjamin, formerly of Electric park.

May 17, 2025 ~ SCHOOL CIRCUS IS VOTED BIG SUCCESS.

May 17, 2025

SCHOOL CIRCUS IS VOTED BIG SUCCESS.

'Poly's' Eccentric Entertainment Is Lively From Start to Finish.

"La-dees and Gentlemen! The glittering galaxy of triumphant, turbulent tumblers will now occupy the center ring."

Thus spoke Ringmaster Joseph Stein at the festival of fun and frivolity staged by the students of the Poly-technic institute's multiple school, Eleventh and Locust streets, yesterday afternoon. With a bull fight in the gymnasium and side shows in practically every room on the first floor of the school building, the fun was fast and furious. The junior college, the normal school, the high school division, the commercial and mechanical training classes each presented a convincing argument against dull care. The admission fees were 1, 2, and 3 cents to the shows.

The proverbial snake-eater, fat woman and tattooed man were superseded by a specially convincing replica of Sis Hopkins, given by Miss Velmatto Williams. Virgil Thompson, as the Hindoo seer, offered the "past, present and future shamelessly revealed."

Among the side shows given was the shoot the chutes, a popgun rifle gallery where, if you did lose the game, you couldn't lose the bullet, and the most convincing demonstration of electricity yet shown in Kansas City. The "class" to be initiated into the marvels of the electric fluid was ceremoniously seated in room 34 after an exhaustive lecture on electricity and its merits was given. Then a plea was made for contributions for the newly organized electricians' clubs and a request made that "all who will donate $5 toward the cause will please stand."

The reason why each and every one not only stood, but arose with surprising alacrity was that at that psychological moment some one threw a switch conveying certain lively portions of the current to the anatomy of every person who had been so courteously seated the few moments before.

Dancing backwards, or what appeared to be backwards, was another amusing feature. A class of normal training students tied their hair over their faces, put masks on the backs of their heads, put their clothing on backwards, and then went through an eccentric dance. The effect was uncanny.

"I told them to go as far as they liked as long as they had lots of fun and broke no bones," said Principal E. H. Rainier, who was "game" for every "stunt" pulled. "The students obeyed my instructions."

May 16, 2025 ~ ACCIDENTALLY WOUNDS GIRL.

May 16, 2025

ACCIDENTALLY WOUNDS GIRL.

Jefferson Beale Shoots "Becca" Levitt While Loading a Gun.

While customers were few last night at the "Joy Palace," 1233 Main street, Jefferson Beale, who takes post card photographs, wounded Miss "Becca" Levitt, the cashier, in the right thigh with a shot from a .22 caliber revolver. Both the photographer and the cashier declare that the shooting was an accident. The police arrested Beale, however, and are holding him for investigation. They say that other empolyes at the penny amusement resort declare the girl and the man have quarreled frequently recently.

Miss Levitt was taken to the General hospital and later to St. Margaret's. Her injury is declared painful but not dangerous. She told physicians at the General hospital that Beale was trying to load the rifle for her when it was discharged.

The cashier is the sister-in-law of Harry Fogal, who is her employer, and resides at his home, 2715 Harrison street. Beale lives at a hotel at Thirteenth and Main streets.

April 24, 2025 ~ BIG EASTER THRONG VISITS SWOPE PARK.

April 24, 2025

BIG EASTER THRONG VISITS SWOPE PARK.

Crowd in City's Playground Estimated at Not Less Than 25,000.

Perhaps the largest Easter Sunday crowd in the history of Swope park went and came by street car and motor yesterday and all practically without accident or mishap of any sort. The crowd numbered during the day not less than 25,000 people. The Kansas City Railways Company estimates that its cars hauled 20,000 people to and from the park. In addition to this crowd there was a constant stream of motor cars plying between the city and the park all day long. Some of the motorists spent the day there and many remained only a short time.

It was not a record crowd for the park but it was an unusually large crowd for an Easter day that had as much chill in the air as yesterday.

A large amount of "glad raiment" found its way to the city's playground.

Most of the animals at the zoo appeared in their spring garb, although a few of the more sluggish fowl and beasts have not yet moulted nor shed, according to the manner in which each should don its spring show clothes.

The ponies, upon which the youngsters have counted so much for frolic, were on exhibition but they were not ridden. The saddles that were recently ordered have not yet been finished. Workmen are hurrying them and they will be ready in a few days.

The two golf courses were visited by a fairly good sized crowd of golfers, although Easter services took many of the customary golf fans to church when some of them have heretofore spent an hour on the links. Fishing attracted a large number of men and boys.

No accidents were reported at the park or on the traffic ways leading there.

April 3, 2025 LLAMAS AND CRANES AT ZOO.

April 3, 2025

LLAMAS AND CRANES AT ZOO.

Fine Day Takes Crowds to Swope Park to See New Arrivals.

Good Walking weather took a large crowd to Swope park yesterday afternoon. There were few picnic parties on account of the dampness of the ground, but fishing, golfing and boating were favorite sports.

A great deal of interest was aroused by the appearance of the two llamas -- shaggy, brown haired beasts of burden from Peru -- in a pen near the buffalo inclosure. The animals are not of a friendly disposition, although perfectly harmless, and they stay well away from the fence. No amount of coaxing can induce one of them to touch confectionery or wisps of grass held between the meshes.

A pair of Demoiselle cranes were received at the zoo yesterday. They were the gift of Howard J. Vrooman, who has made several valuable contributions to the Swope park collection.

On the lagoon two patrol motor boats went on duty for the first time yesterday to prevent carelessness on the part of canoeing parties.

NOSE PARTY AT HIPPODROME. ~ Finding Matching Nose Was the Problem.

January 15, 2026

NOSE PARTY AT HIPPODROME.

Finding Matching Nose Was

the Problem.

Another novelty entertainment was given at the Hippodrome last night in the form of a nose party. False noses in pairs were given out to all skaters, one of each pair to men and women. The problem was for the man to find the wearer of the temporary nose matching the nose worn by him. This feature provoked unlimited fun and the evening was spent skating after the grand march had been negotiated by the nose-matched pairs.

INJUNS TACKLE THE TICKLER. ~ Apaches Exhibiting at Electric Park Take in the Thrillers.

October 6, 2025

INJUNS TACKLE THE TICKLER.

Apaches Exhibiting at Electric Park

Take in the Thrillers.

Not even the stolidity of an Apache Indian could withstand the whoop-compelling thrills of the scenic railway, dip coaster and tickler at Electric park last night. At the invitation of the management the thirty aborigines from the Dulce reservation in New Mexico, exhibiting at the Missouri Valley fair and exposition, took a chance on, in and through the various concessions.

The tickler didn't take their breath. Quite the contrary. Their lung power was in no way impaired. Tubful after tubful of the original Americans rolled down the course through the winding alleys on the polished incline. Their yells were a menace to every eardrum within several blocks.

Mr. Heim treated the Apaches to every thrill to be experienced in his big collection of amusements. To show their appreciation or to open a safety valve as an outlet for some of their pent-up exuberance, the Indians in turn treated the management and the crowd to their repertory of snake dance, bear dance, fish dance, lizard dance, and other zoological "hops."

Two of the warriors have records. Washington, who is 97 years old, was a scout with Kit Carson, and Julian, 93 years old, fought with Geronimo. A week ago in Pueblo, Col., Peafalo, one of the young braves, married Juanita, a young woman of the party. She is a daughter of one of the warriors named Alaska.

SHOWS NEEDLE WORK BY WOMEN CONVICTS. ~ Both are Serving Sentences in Kansas Prison for Murder -- Exposition at Electric Park Is in Full Swing.

October 4, 2025

SHOWS NEEDLE WORK

BY WOMEN CONVICTS.

Both are Serving Sentences in Kan-

sas Prison for Murder -- Exposi-

tion at Electric Park Is

in Full Swing.

The attendance at the Missouri Valley Fair and Exposition in Electric park increased from 8,000 Saturday to more than 20,000 yesterday. Nearly all of the visitors in the afternoon were from out-of-town, while the city folk predominated last night. All of the exhibits are in place, including the chickens, of which there are more than 400 coops.

Several attractions were added yesterday. The exhibit of the Kansas state prison was opened. It shows the binder twine made at the prison and some needle work by women prisoners. Among that class of work is a piece of work completed by Jessie Morrison, who is serving a life sentence for the killing of Mrs. Olin Castle of Eldorado, Kas. Another bit of fancy work made by a noted woman prisoner in the Kansas penitentiary is a pillow cushion cover finished by Molly Stewart, convicted of the Schneck murder at Ottawa.

The dog show will open Wednesday, as will the flower show. In order to protect the exhibits,a fire engine station has been installed in front of the German village. Joe, the Kansas City fire horse which won first place, with Dan, another Kansas City product, at the international fire congress under direction of George C. Hale, former fire chief, is on exhibition. The animal is now 32 years old.

At 8:45 o'clock tonight "Alligator Joe" is to be married. His real name is Warren B. Frazee. The bride-to-be is Miss Cleopatra N. Croff. The marriage is to take place in the alligator farm. It will be public.

NEW ACTS AT HIPPODROME. ~ East Side Place of Amusement Opens for the Season.

September 26, 2025

NEW ACTS AT HIPPODROME.

East Side Place of Amusement Opens

for the Season.

The Hippodrome, at Twelfth and Charlotte streets, opened for the season last night and nearly 5,000 persons attended, the roller skating rink and the dance hall, both remodeled and redecorated, drawing the most patronage. Last night's visitors saw a brand new Hippodrome. There was a greater floor space, better illumination and a bigger variety of attractions than ever before. The new ball room, which has been latticed and banked with satin roses and artificial shrubbery, aroused the admiration of the Hippodrome dancers.

Last night's visitors found plenty outside the dance hall and the skating rink to interest them. There was the Vienna garden, a new permanent feature, which seems destined to meet with favor. Free continuous vaudeville is offered in the Vienna village, which is laid with tanbark and inclosed by lattice work. Elston's dog and pony show was another new attraction that offered many novelties.

The Great La Salle, one of the most daring of roller skate experts, was the big arena attraction last night. La Salle makes a thrilling descent on a 60 per cent incline from the roof of the Hippodrome, and his exhibition belongs in the division of hair raisers.

Numerous concessions along the Hippodrome "Boardwalk" offer plenty of diversion. The place will open this afternoon at 2 o'clock and the performance will be continuous until midnight.

FOREST PARK CLOSES. ~ Many Improvements Will Be Made Before Next Season.

September 13, 2025

FOREST PARK CLOSES.

Many Improvements Will Be Made

Before Next Season.

Yesterday was the closing day at Forest park. Last night ended a most prosperous season; in fact, the most successful that the park has ever had. The largest day of the season was May 15, when over 26,000 people passed through the gates.

The park will open early in April next year and immediately a number of changes and improvements will be made. Carpenters will start in next week to tear down old buildings and in their place erect new and up-to-date buildings. There will be a new theater erected in the southwest corner of the park. The swimming pool will be improved. A number of new riding devices will be installed and plans are being prepared for the erection of a stadium where sporting and athletic events will be held.

"The success of the park this year was due to the reduction in price of all the salable things and rides," said Manager O'Donnell yesterday. "The 5-cent limit, as it was called, proved the drawing magnet. The same price will prevail next year and the public will not know the place when it opens again."

NEGRO FAIR POSTPONED. ~ Rain Causes Delay of Events Scheduled at Independence.

September 7, 2025

NEGRO FAIR POSTPONED.

Rain Causes Delay of Events Sched-

uled at Independence.

Business at the negro fair was declared off yesterday on account of rain at Independence, and the chicken and chitlings, prepared for the occasion, went begging.

The horse races were also declared off, and will be run today provided the track can be gotten into shape.

Dr. W. R. Petteford, a southern negro banker who is president of the Penny Savings bank of Birmingham, Ala., will deliver an address today at the negro fair which opened at Independence.

Free attractions are offered in the way of slack wire and trapeze performances. The fair will be open day and night throughout the week.

FUN FOR THE LITTLE ONES. ~ Children's Play Room and Shoe Department Opens at Robinson's.

September 1, 2025

FUN FOR THE LITTLE ONES.

Children's Play Room and Shoe De-

partment Opens at Robinson's.

With the opening today of Robinson's new shoe department for children, the girls and boys of Kansas City will be presented with one of the finest "playgrounds" they have ever known. A merry-go-round, swings, whirligigs, a slippery slide, punching bags, hobby-horses, and a great big rocking boat -- all built especially safe and strong, will be turned over to the children to romp and play while their mammas buy their shoes.

And the parents, too, will be interested in this new shoe department for children, for it is a big store in itself, occupying one entire floor and filled from floor to ceiling with an immense stock of children's footwear of every description.

All parents are cordially invited to bring the children today, to see the new playroom. They will be welcomed whether they need shoes or not, and a Japanese toy will be given free to every child.

JAPANESE CARNIVAL AT FOREST. ~ At Night Park Is Lighted With 10,000 Lanterns.

August 30, 2025

JAPANESE CARNIVAL AT FOREST.

At Night Park Is Lighted With

10,000 Lanterns.

An elaborate display of Japanese lanterns is to be seen this week at Forest park. Nearly 10,000 of these vari-colored transparencies are distributed over the park, and when illuminated at night make an imposing sight.

Owing to the cool weather the ballroom was the objective point yesterday. There is an entire change in the vaudeville bill.

A pleasing and difficult act is that of the Kaichi Japanese troupe of acrobats. "The Climax" is performed by Mlle. Gertrude La Morrow, who not only dances but sings as well. Elliotte an d Le Roy, in a comedy sketch, are amusing.

Tonight is souvenir night for the women at the carnival.

HADLEY WILL OPEN INDEPENDENCE FAIR. ~ OLD FASHIONED COUNTY SHOW IS ON TODAY.

August 30, 2025

HADLEY WILL OPEN

INDEPENDENCE FAIR.

OLD FASHIONED COUNTY SHOW

IS ON TODAY.

For a Week Products of Farm Will

Take Precedence Over Thrill-

ers -- Special Features

Are Attractive.

There was a bunch of tired men in Independence last night who seemed happy in their fatigue. They were the directors of the Independence fair and everything was ready for the opening this morning. The fair this year is going to be just as it has always been, an old-fashioned county affair where the products of the farm take precedence over thrillers of summer park invention and where a prize hog looks a whole lot better than a motor car, for the time being.

And if exhibits are to be counted, the Independence fair is better off this year than ever before. It has been a good year on the farms of Jackson county, and for that reason the exhibits are going to be the largest in the history of the fair. The mountain of pumpkins, a yearly feature of the fair, is to be cooked into pies and distributed to visitors as edible souvenirs. That is to be done on the last day, Saturday.

HADLEY TO OPEN FAIR.

The fair is to have executive recognition and it will be opened at 10 o'clock this morning by Governor H. S. Hadley. The governor will make his speech at that time, after the salute of Battery B of Kansas City has been fired. After the speech of the governor, the battery will maneuver and the fair will be on in earnest. The gates will be open at 7 o'clock in the morning.

The directors have offered purses aggregating $10,000 for the race meeting, and there is a good list of entries. Independence is on three racing circuits and more than 200 horses will strive for the various purses. There will be from one to three races a day.

SERIES OF SPECIAL DAYS.

Admission to the grounds is to be free this year and as an added attraction, there is to be a fireworks display every night. A band will give a free concert every night. Zach Mulhall's Wild West show will be there.

There is to be a series of special days. Tomorrow is to be a special racing day and there will be an extra race for an extra prize. Thursday will be Kansas City day, when Kansas City exhibitors and Kansas City exhibits will have full sway. Friday will be Old Settler's day. Many of the old settlers of Jackson county and the counties surrounding will attend the fair on that day. Saturday is to be pumpkin day.

PEOPLE DEMAND MORE MUSIC. ~ Alderman Lapp Bears a Message to Mayor From Constituents.

August 20, 2025

PEOPLE DEMAND MORE MUSIC.

Alderman Lapp Bears a Message to

Mayor From Constituents.

"The people out my way in the Seventh ward are demanding two more weeks of music in the parks," said Alderman J. G. Lapp to Mayor Crittenden yesterday.

"And I am happily in accord with the people not only of the Seventh ward, but in every ward of the city on the band proposition," replied the mayor, "but it is a question of finances. I am not fishing for a deficit in the treasury, and I know the good people of the city are of a like opinion. If I could have my way about it $10,000 would be appropriated ever year for music in the parks, but there are so many things that the city must look after we have to nurse and be careful of the revenues.

"I'm sure if you would use your influence with Gus Pearson, city comptroller, he would dig up the money from somewhere. Two more weeks of band music would cost only $1,026," urged Lapp.

"All right," promised the mayor, "I will see what I can do with the comptroller in the morning. I'm for music in the parks so long as the weather will permit."

PYROTECHNICS AT ELECTRIC. ~ "The Burning of Moscow" and Russian Dances Featured.

August 19, 2025

PYROTECHNICS AT ELECTRIC.

"The Burning of Moscow" and Rus-

sian Dances Featured.

So successful has been "The Fall of Messina" at Electric park that the management has arranged for and prepared another immense and impressive pyrotechnical spectacle. This will be known as "The Burning of Moscow," and will represent the great conflagration which destroyed the Russian city incident to the invasion of Napoleon Bonaparte and his troops in 1812. The fireworks that will accompany "The Burning of Moscow" will be even more spectacular than those used in "The Fall of Messina."

The first performance of "The Burning of Moscow" will be given Sunday night, and the last performance of "The Fall of Messina" will be given Saturday night. Don Philippini's Band will play a programme tonight.

STRANGE ADVENTURES OF TWO SMALL BOYS. ~ SAW SIGHTS AND FRIGHTENED THEIR PARENTS.

July 26, 2025

STRANGE ADVENTURES

OF TWO SMALL BOYS.

SAW SIGHTS AND FRIGHTENED

THEIR PARENTS.

Johnny and Tommy, 10 and 8 Years

Old, Respectively, Had High

Time While Folks Had

Visions of Kidnaping.

TOMMY BEELS.

Without permission of their respective parents, Johnny Sinclair, 10, and Tommy Beels, 8 years old, took a day off from home and spent the whole of Saturday night and Sunday in wandering about the towns and parks surrounding Kansas City, much to the consternation, grief and anxiety of their families.

When the boys were missed Saturday night it was learned that they had gone with an employe of Electric park. Mont Shirley, 29 years of age, who has a longing for the companionship of small boys, being evidenced by his having led other urchins on several days' tours of the surrounding country on previous occasions.

Johnny Sinclair is the only son of Aaron Sinclair, janitor of the Boston flats, 3808 Main street. Johnny's father gave him a dollar Saturday noon and told him to do what as he wanted with the money.

BOYS WENT TO PARK.

Barefooted and without his coat, Johnny looked up his younger friend, Tommy, youngest son of H. T. Beels, 107 East Thirty-ninth street, and proposed a trip to Electric park. Tommy was willing and thought it best not to go into the house for his hat and coat, for his mother might thwart their schemes. So the boys left the Beels home about 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon.

When 5 o'clock came Mrs. Beels missed her son. Within a few minutes, however, he telephoned his mother that they were at Electric park and were going to take a boat ride with a man whom they had found congenial. Mrs. Beels told the boy to come home immediately.

Tommy had other views in the matter and when Shirley suggested an extensive tour of the city, to include Kansas City, Kas., Lansing, Leavenworth, Forest, Fairmount, Swope and Budd parks and all at his own expense, the boy readily fell in with the plan. Mothers were not interviewed.

Dire thoughts of drowning, kidnaping and disaster beset Mrs. Beels when her boy did not materialize at supper time. Persons in charge of the park were questioned and it was learned that the two boys had gone away from the park with Shirley. None knew where.

SEARCH PARTIES ORGANIZED.

Mrs. Beels, at midnight, went to the Sinclair home and inquired there for her son and learned that Johnny Sinclair was also missing. That was the first idea of Johnny's whereabouts which the Sinclairs had. Search parties were organized and the park secured.

Yesterday morning a young man went to the Sinclair home and told that he had seen the two boys and Shirley at the Union depot and that they were going to St. Joseph and H. L. Ashton, a friend of the Beels family, who is well acquainted with the mayor of that city, called him over long distance 'phone and had the town searched for the runaways. Then came a telegram that the three had been seen early Sunday in Leavenworth.

Meanwhile Mrs. Sinclair and Mrs. Beels were beside themselves with fear and anxiety for their children. They secured the promise of the park authorities to drag the lake in the park this morning, and the search for the missing increased in strength and vigilance each hour.

Shirley's family had been notified of the disappearance, and Charles J. Blevins, Shirley's brother-in-law, hastened to Leavenworth, hot on the trail. He returned empty-handed.

TELL OF JOLLY TIME.

About 11 o'clock last night the boys returned home, dusty, wet and tired. They had a wonderful story to tell of their trip and adventures. They had been through every park in the city, and seen the National cemetery and Soldiers' home at Leavenworth from a car and had a jolly time in general. Saturday night was spent in Kansas City, so Tommy Beels says, and the three went to a rooming house. He did not know the location. Late last night Shirley gave the two boys their carfare and put them on a Rockhill car at Eighth and Walnut streets and left them.

Shirley is said to have a habit of giving young boys a good time at his own expense. Two years ago, it is claimed, he took two boys to Leavenworth and stayed there for three days, after which the boys returned safe and sound.

Shirley works in the park and every Saturday he has been in the habit of spending his week's wages upon some boys whom he might meet. His brother-in-0law, Mr. Blevins, said that Shirley is nothing but a boy himself. When he was 4 years of age, according to relatives, Shirley fell upon his head, and he has remained stunted, mentally, ever since. Shirley longs for the companionship of children, and he is attractive to them since he plays with them and talks with them as though he were 9 rather than 29 years of age.

INTERVIEW CUT SHORT.

Johnny Sinclair, nervous, excited, scared and tired, last night told a clear and fairly consistent story of how Shirley and Tommy Beels and he passed the time between Saturday at 2 p. m. and 11 o'clock last night, when the boys returned home.

In the main details Johnny clung to his story. He fell asleep while being questioned by his father, and that ended the questioning. In substance, he says:

"Shirley invited Tommy and me to go to Swope park, while were were at Electric park, where he was working. We went to Swope park with him and in the evening we went down town and went to several nickel shows.

"Then we went out to Swope park again, but late that night. Shirley wanted to go down town to cash a check. When we got down town the saloons were all closed, and we finally went to bed at a place near Eighth and Main streets.

SAW LEAVENWORTH SIGHTS.

"The next morning we had a nice breakfast of beefsteak and potatoes and coffee, and then we went over to Kansas City, Kas., and there we took a car for Leavenworth. We saw the penitentiary and the Soldiers' Home from the car, and the National cemetery, but we didn't stop there.

We went to Leavenworth and spent the time just running around. That's all we did. I was never there before, and it was fun. We had a dinner of bologna sausage and cheese, and about 8 o'clock we started for home."

Besides the fright which was occasioned the two families of the boys no harm was done, except one of the boys was forced to take a hot bath and swallow a dose of quinine after he reached home. Johnny's original $1, which started the trouble, remains intact. Shirley stood the expense on his pay of $12, which he drew from the park on Saturday afternoon.

Shirley lives one block southeast of the park.

"JOY RIDES" FOR CHILDREN. ~ Youngsters Will Be Given Treat by Kansas City, Kas., Citizens.

July 24, 2025

"JOY RIDES" FOR CHILDREN.

Youngsters Will Be Given Treat by

Kansas City, Kas., Citizens.

Joy riding will be engaged in next Saturday by 100 children living in Kansas City, Kas., and the automobiles will be furnished by private citizens. The Salvation Army is behind the movement to take the little ones away from the dirt and smoke for several hours and whisk them around the boulevards and parks.

Max Holzmark, a Kansas City, Kas., furniture dealer, has undertaken the task of securing the automobiles for the Army. His friends will be asked to loan machines and drivers for the afternoon. If there are not sufficient automobiles to hold all of the children it is believed some will be given a long street car ride. The Metropolitan has been asked, and tentatively has agreed to furnish two street cars for the occasion.

LURE OF THE CIRCUS AS STRONG AS EVER. ~ CROWDS STREAMED THROUGH SHOW GROUNDS YESTERDAY.

July 19, 2025

LURE OF THE CIRCUS

AS STRONG AS EVER.

CROWDS STREAMED THROUGH

SHOW GROUNDS YESTERDAY.

Performers Were Not in Evidence,

as It Was a Day of Rest.

Parade in Downtown

Section.

WE ARE ALL "SMALL BOYS" TODAY.

PARADE STARTS AT 9:30
The route is north from the grounds, on Indiana avenue to Fifteenth street, west of Fifteenth to Walnut street, north on Walnut to Fifth street, west on Fifth to Main street, south on Main to Fourteenth street, east on Fourteenth to Grand avenue, south on Grand to Fifteenth street, east on Fifteenth to Indiana avenue, south on Indiana to the circus grounds.

You have heard people say that the circus is no longer the magnet it once was, but if you were able to persuade yourself into this opinion, take a car out to Seventeenth street and Indiana avenue, where Ringling's circus city is encamped, and behold your mistake; for it's dollars to dill pickles that you'll suddenly be bereft of your enthusiasm.

Crowds streamed through the grounds all day yesterday just because it was a circus that held all the charm that circuses have always held in the popular heart. Big red wagons; forests of pegs and guy ropes; great hollow mountains of belying canvas; roustabouts seeking a minimum of warmth in the scant shade of the vans; squads of cooks and scullions making the next meal ready for the circus army vendors of cool drinks and hot meats, barking their wares; the merry-go-round, grinding out its burden of popular airs, all these things to be seen and heard constituted the lure that drew perspiring thousands to the show grounds, even though no performance was given Sunday.

PERFORMERS' REST DAY.

It was remarked that few of the performers could be seen on the grounds.

"That's because it is their day off," said one who has eleven years of circus experience behind him. "They're at all the parks and other places of interest. More of them are in church than you would guess, too."

No one was allowed in the menagerie yesterday and the animals had the big tent largely to themselves and their keepers. Beasts ranging in disposition from mild to fearsome, crouched, paced and slept behind the bars. A large herd of elephants was lined up on one side of the tent and the huge pachyderms stood quietly swaying their trunks, and munching the wisps of hay they would now and then tuck under their proboscises.

Jerry, the Royal Bengal tiger. lay peacefully asleep in his cage. He is the Apollo Belvedere of the feline species. Out of all tigers and near-tigers in captivity, he was chosen as a model of his kind for the two bronze guardians of the entrance of old Nassau hall, Princeton.

TIGER AS A MODEL.

Jerry was chosen as a model by A. Phimister Proctor, the sculptor, who was commissioned by the class of '79 to replace the two lions that now stand before the famous old hall.

Weather and undergraduate ebullience made their marks on the lions and the class of '79 decided to have them replaced by two bronze tigers which will not only be more durable but more emblematic. They will be presented to the university by the class next commencement week.

Two performances will be given today, the first at 2 o'clock in the afternoon and the second at 8 o'clock at night. The parade will start at 9:30 a. m. The circus will give two performances at Manhattan, Kas., Tuesday.

WRESTLES WITH CROCODILE. ~ "Alligator Joe" Gives a Novel Act at Electric Park.

July 19, 2025

WRESTLES WITH CROCODILE.

"Alligator Joe" Gives a Novel Act

at Electric Park.

An attractive programme of amusements is offered by Electric Park this week. Perhaps the most noteworthy is Gargiulo's Italian band which has been engaged to prolong its engagement until next Sunday. Of the new things, however, the one that will probably attract the most interest is the nightly wrestling match between "Alligator Joe," proprietor of the alligator farm and one of the largest crocodiles in his collection. Costumed in a bathing suit "Joe" plunges into a tank of water and mounting the crocodile's back fights with it until it is sufficiently subdued to be led from the pool.

There is a new vaudeville show in the German village. The bill contains a wide variety of entertainment. The programme includes Kelly and Lewis in a novelty balancing and juggling act, Ethel Hunter, a Kansas City violinist, who has made a pronounced hit with music lovers; Murill Window, a singing comedian; the Hamlins, who dance, sing and play a variety of instruments and the American Singing Four, a splendid male quartet.