|
Melvin (Mel) Theobald
Rod, see what you have started with your amazing memory and unforgiving curiosity? This circus thing is something that most of us might have sensed but knew very little about. Through an unexpected series of experiences, I have become aware of the Wards and Sullivans who were essential parts of the Bloomington circus world. There is WAY TOO MUCH info to share here, but it may help for all who are interested to know that the Milner Library at ISU has an extensive collection specifically dedicated to the history of Bloomington's circus aerialists.
Just for fun, I am attaching an old photo of the practice barn on Emerson which was used by the Flying Wards. Central to this property is The Grand Hotel, where Mayme Ward and her sister-in-law, Jennie, used to sew the costumes for the trapeze troupes. When the home was converted into a restaurant, the bar was located in the same space where the women of the circus added sequins, lace and fringe to their costumes. We can probably all remember going to The Grand Hotel for its great chicken, but we had no idea that this was the home of Eddie and Mayme Ward and got its name because it was the way station for the most famous aerial trapeze performers of the early 20th century.
The old Circus Roller Rink was apparently a spin off of the circus fame of the Doss family, but the real story is the history of aerial acrobatics which goes back to the 1870s and culminates with the Wards, Sullivans and Fishers. In 1918, at the peak of their careers, the Wards suffered the loss of Jennie Ward in a tragic train crash in Indiana. From there the ties to Bloomington are amazingly interesting.
If anyone is interested in more info, please let me know. Unfortunately it would take way too much space here to tell the stories. But FYI, there is little doubt that Bloomington's history is very much linked to the history of circus trapeze acts which dominated America for over half a century.
Bert Doss was a big star with the Ward flyers before starting his own troupe in 1927. It is most likely that his family who built the Circus Roller Rink never used it for the circus, although it is possible it may have been used as a practice arena. What is more interesting, is the role the old YMCA on East St. played in the develoment of these performers. Little did any of us know of the meaning of those places like The Grand Hotel, the YMCA or the Circus Roller Rink when we were using them for entirely different reasons. The history is spectacular and there is more. All we have to do is be curious enough to ask questions. Right Milan? Question of the day, "Where is Mayme Ward buried?"
|
