Venice in Sarasota County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Gunther Gebel-Williams
Photographed By Julie Szabo, January 19, 2008
1. Gunther Gebel-Williams Marker
Inscription.
Gunther Gebel-Williams changed the face of the American circus forever, and is universally known as The Greatest Wild Animal Trainer of All Time. From Circus Williams in Germany to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus, Gunther demonstrated to all that humans and animals should work, live and thrive together in harmony. The circus star made his United States debut Jan. 6, 1969 at the circus' winter quarters in Venice, FL., eventually setting a not-to-be-broken circus record of entertaining more than 200 million people during more than 12,000 consecutive performances. He was inducted into the Circus Hall of Fame in 1999 and was honored throughout the world. Gunther was the favorite son of his adopted hometown of Venice. He became an important part of the community, residing here with his family from 1969 until his death in 2001.
Gunther Gebel-Williams changed the face of the American circus forever, and is universally known as The Greatest Wild Animal Trainer of All Time. From Circus Williams in Germany to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus, Gunther demonstrated to all that humans and animals should work, live and thrive together in harmony. The circus star made his United States debut Jan. 6, 1969 at the circus' winter quarters in Venice, FL., eventually setting a not-to-be-broken circus record of entertaining more than 200 million people during more than 12,000 consecutive performances. He was inducted into the Circus Hall of Fame in 1999 and was honored throughout the world. Gunther was the favorite son of his adopted hometown of Venice. He became an important part of the community, residing here with his family from 1969 until his death in 2001.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is January 6, 1816.
Location. 27° 6.087′ N, 82° 26.414′ W. Marker is in Venice, Florida, in Sarasota County. Marker can be reached from North Seaboard Avenue. Located at the Rollins W. Coakley Railroad Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Venice FL 34285, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2008, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida. This page has been viewed 3,034 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 21, 2008, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
