How does this wagon above, relate to "circus history?" Was it used/owned by a circus before being repainted as a "Benson's Wild Animal Farm" wagon?
Friday, June 1, 2012
Circus Wagon History
How does this wagon above, relate to "circus history?" Was it used/owned by a circus before being repainted as a "Benson's Wild Animal Farm" wagon?
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8 comments:
This calliope belonged to Bob Commerford and was rented to Benson's for the daily parade in the early 80's. I think bob may have purchased it from Kelton in VT. It was not painted for Benson's.
Larry,
It say's "Benson's Wild Animal Park" on the side. If not for Benson's, then who was it painted for. Was "Kelton" a circus in Vermont? If not, what the hell is this wagon doing at Circus World Museum? Anybody?
Wade
Wade-
I don't recall this wagon ever being at CWM in Baraboo. I don't recognize the background as anywhere on the property.
FLINT
Flint,
The website Friends of the Benson's state that it was purchased by CWM. Possibly they confused it with other wagons purchased. That is why I was try to learn it's connection to the circus.
Wade
The benson's title was on a little sign attached to the wagon. The photo was at Benson's. Bob Commerford took the wagon back. 2 other wagons went to Baraboo.
Charlie Kelton was a car dealer in VT that had wagons, pony hitches and a baby elephant.
Larry,
Thank you. Wasn't Charlie Kelton involved with a bank fraud case in the 1980's? I wonder why Radar doesn't have Denny, Murray Hills elephant that was sold to Charlie Kelton listed on the data base?
Wade
Mr. Kelton did get into some trouble. Later he aquired Santa's Land in Putney VT. He tried to get a permit to house 2 elephants there but VT is not elephant freindly. I believe they were Tommy Hanneford's elephants. Santa's Land is now just recently closed.
Larry
Larry,
Thank you for the information. Mr. Kelton should have moved to neighboring Maine. I assume they are "elephant friendly" as C & B is sending two elephants there where it is supposedly warmer then Toronto Canada. :)
Wade
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