Nothing says nostalgia like a city getting excited about the circus coming to town.
It all seems so quaint now. But that's what Lorain was feeling back in May 1926 when Christy Bros. Circus – the first circus of the season – was due to arrive.
The Lorain Journal helped to build anticipation and excitement for the event with a series of teaser articles. Some featured the animal performers, others featured specific aspects of the show, like the Noah's Ark spectacle.
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| May 7, 2026 |
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| May 11, 1926 |
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| May 11, 1926 |
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| May 14, 1926 |
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| May 17, 1926 |
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| May 18, 1926 |
On May 19, 1926, the day of the circus, this article appeared on the front page of the newspaper.
"Amid the notes of a calliope, accompanied by prancing horses and swaying elephants," the article noted, "the parade of Christy Bros. Wild Animal show officially opened circus day in Lorain with a parade through the heart of the city at noon.
"Hundreds of spectators bordered the line of March, from the show grounds at 23rd-st and Washington-av, all along Washington-av, Erie-av and Broadway."
One mishap marred what was otherwise a great day, according to this article that appeared in the paper. the next day.
Here are a few more vintage posters that were either for sale on auction websites for on eBay. The unusual performers depicted on the second poster are the stuff of nightmares!
Hey Dan- I was home a few days ago to visit my sister and we were talking about the car wash (Ace). She mentioned that when the circus was on Colorado Avenue they brought the elephants to the car wash for a bath. I was wondering if there were any stories about that in the Journal? Would have been in the ‘50’s. She has photos somewhere if she finds them I’ll send them to you. Todd
ReplyDeleteHi Todd! I'll see if I can find some news coverage of it!
DeleteThose posters are remarkable. I liked the story about the seating mishap, with the company congratulating itself that its grandstands collapsed only once every nine years.
ReplyDeleteWashington and 23rd Street is where the elementary school was built, correct?
ReplyDeleteHi Alan! That's correct.
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