Sunday, July 31, 2011

Zebra ridden by circus prformer, Laffin Leslie--Berkshire England 1935

6 comments:

  1. onwardsandsidwards@yahoo.comAugust 9, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    This performer is my father,he would have been 16years old as was the times of circus then, many animals were used as performers but in the ring he was a clown, trampolinist and bare back horse rider. The photo is taken when the circus would have wanted to promote the show to the public. Although not acceptable now at the time is was the first time many people would have seen wild and unusual animals at close hand. How did you come by the photo?

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  2. Onwardsandsidwards,
    Welcome, and thank you for the comment and additional information about your father. How long was he in the circus, and what were some of the show's he performed with?
    The photo was purchased a few years ago at a antique book store, which also sold old negative's/photo's. On the contrary, it is as acceptable today as it was back then, although the validation of "giving people the opportunity to see animals for the first time" is no longer acceptable, but entertaining them is.

    Wade

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  3. He looked after my Dad as a baby in the thirties when the family was in the ring or too busy. Dad always spoke of your father fondly. My Dad is Poodles Yelding, son of Harry Yelding the stiltwalker.

    Best,
    John

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  4. Leslie Laffin is my Great uncle and my Great Grandma's brother. My great grandma always use to talk about Leslie.

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  5. This is my uncle Leslie, my Mother's brother. My Mom was Lilian Laffin, passed away 01 04 2008 I am Beryl Grin, nee Williams

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  6. Hello my name us Beryl Grin (nee Williams) Leslie Laffin was my uncle

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