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 Call Number

CWM Mss 36, CWM Ph 64
 
Title

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus,
Business Records, 1911-1966 (268 c.f. 198 boxes, 305 volumes, 1 oversize drawer)
 
ABSTRACT

The collection contains extensive records of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1911 (prior to the merger with the Barnum & Bailey Circus) through 1966, just prior to when Irvin Feld purchased the show. The papers consist primarily of business related materials such as financial records, performer contracts, records of winter quarters operations, general subject files, records related to the Harford fire of July 6 1944, tours of Europe and South America, labor relations, and performances at Madison Square Garden. The collection also includes personal papers for a number of members of the Ringling Family particularly John and Henry Ringling North as well as personal papers of their uncle John Ringling. Other prominent Ringling Family members such as Al, Alf. T., Otto, Gus, and Charles Ringling are absent from the papers. Personal and business records of Arthur Concello can also be found in the collection as well as papers and ledgers associated with the America Circus Corporation. A small collection of images (CWM Ph 64) is also included.
Historical Note
Abbreviations
Scope and Content Note

CONTENTS LISTS
The collection is organized into 25 series. For a detailed description of each series please click on the Scope and Content button above. 
American Circus Corp. Series,1913-1947
Arenas, Coliseums, Stadiums Series, 1954-1962
Barring Outdoor Advertising, 1955-1956
Circus Supply and Hardware Co., 1948-1958
Concello, Arthur,  Papers, 1934-1963
Cuba, Mexico, and South America, 1949-1962
Daily Receipts, 1929-1958
European Tour, 1963-1964
Expense Accounts
Financial Records, 1913-1964
General Files
Gengeral Ledger, 1923-1959
Hartford Fire, 1940-1950
Insurance Records, 1933-1962
Madison Square Garden, 1930-1960
Paid Invoices, 1953-1963
Performers Contracts, 1939-1965
Press Releases Series, 1939-1960 (bulk 1955)
Real Estate Holdings, 1936-1959
Ringling Family Papers, 1926-1962
Rockland Oil Company, 1937-1957
Sarasota Oil Company
Tax Records, 1926-1956
Organized labor, 1925-1961
Visual Materials (CWM Ph 64), 1891-1960