Barnum & Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth 1893 Season

Years had gone by since the passing of the great P.T. Barnum and in that time, James A. Bailey was the sole proprietor of "The Greatest Show on Earth". 1893 was also the year that the World's Fair in Chicago themed it's presentation to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the new World, although technically it would have been the 401st (1492). "The Greatest Show on Earth" also adopted this them for the season bringing a massive show to local towns around the country and Maine was not left out of this great tour. The dates in Maine were July 15 in Biddeford, July 17 in Portland, July 18 in Bath, July 19 in Augusta, July 20 in Bangor, July 21 in Waterville and as the ad showcased here indicates, July 22 in Lewiston. The ad for this show reads:

Containing a World of Wonders and Delightful Attractions TOGETHER WITH IMRE KIRALFY'S FAMOUS SPECTACLE COLUMBUS AND THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA, IT'S GRANDEUR ALMOST SURPASSING BELIEF WITH 1,200 HISTORICAL CHARACTERS REPRESENTED.
3 RINGS, 2 ELEVATED STAGES, RACING TRACK!
SUBLIME BALLET, with 300 DANCERS
The most Wonderful and Grandest of Earthly Displays on a Stage 400 Feet Long.
In Addition to Circus, Hippodrome, Illusions, 2 Monster Menageries, Museums, Aviary, Aquarium and Horse Fair. 

Win a trip to the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago!

In 1893, some lucky folks from Maine had an opportunity to win a fully paid trip to the 1893 Chicago World's Columbian Exposition!











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Photos from the 1989 Kora Shrine Circus #1

Yuri Krasnov and Lubov Pisarenkov Defected from the Soviet Union and in 1989 performed in Maine

Yuri Krasnov and Lubov Pisarenkova on
April 14, 1989 in Lewiston, Maine

Yuri Krasnov and Lubov Pisarenkova defected to the Untied States from the Soviet Union in 1986 because Soviet Authorities were restricting their work. They stated the reason they came to the United State was "No Freedom. No freedom as a person, no freedom as an

Forepaugh & Sells Brothers’ Circus 1902 Season Advertisement

Adam Forepaugh had passed away in 1890 and left a lasting legacy. So much so that even in 1902 (and beyond) his namesake was still a valuable draw. Having once been a legitimate competitor to the Barnum & Bailey Circus, even having more animals than them and paying higher wages to major acts, the purchase of his show by James A. Bailey proved to be a somewhat lucrative one at times. In 1894, the Great Forepaugh Show

Maine Agricultural Fair Schedules for 1902

The 1902 Schedule for Maine agricultural Fairs from around the state. 

Maine Amusement Park and Zoo ads from 1980 #1

Here are some great ads for various Maine amusement parks and zoos from 1980. They include Bear Pond Park, Rumford Zoo, Aquaboggan, Merrill's Wildlife Center, Palace Playland,  and Simpson Animal Park. 

Auburn Kids Clowning Around

In a photo from June of 1980 on 524 Turner Street in Aubrun, some local kids designed and made their own clown costumes. 

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Photos from the 1980 Kora Shrine Circus #1

Clowns from the 1980 edition of the Kora Shrine Circus visited residents of the Marcoote Nursing Home on April 18, 1980. The clowns featured here, from left to right, are Bo Skolfied, Fuzzie and Farmer Sam with two resendents.

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Ad for the “Royal Lipizzan Stallions” 1980 Show in Portland

This is a great ad promoting "The World Famous" Royal Lipizzan Stallions who performed in Portland on April 25, 26, and 27 in 1980.

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Photos from the 1979 Kora Shrine Circus #1

The Shriners do amazing work giving back to the community with programs such as the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Every year local Shrines bring the circus to town and the Shrine Circus has became a staple in family traditions all over the country. In southern Maine, the Kora Shrine has been providing the area with great entertainment for 64 years now! On April 13,1979 in Lewiston, the Kora Shrine Circus came to town and made some great memories.

P.T. Barnum Enters the Ring!

Even though his name has become almost synonymous with the circus, P.T. Barnum did not enter the business until he was 60 years old. In the fall of 1870, Barnum came to an agreement with Dan Castello who was owner of the "Dan Costillo Show" and manager of the show, William Cameron Coup. Through the deal, Barnum became a senior partner who financed the endeavor and in return received two-thirds of the profit. Since Barnum previously displayed his presentations and curiosities in fixed locations such as his American Museum, this would be an exciting new way for him to take his genius promoting talents all over the country. The first incarnation of a P.T. Barnum promoted travailing circus was to be called "P.T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan, Hippodrome & Circus." This resurrection of Barnum's